Can GLP-1 Diabetes/Weight Loss Drugs Also Protect the Heart?

A large study has found that medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Trulicity, which are used to treat diabetes and aid weight loss, may also reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death from heart disease. These findings, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2025, could change how doctors use these medicines for people with obesity or heart problems.

A New Look at How GLP-1 Drugs Help the Heart

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have been used for years to manage type 2 diabetes and more recently to  support weight loss. They work by mimicking a natural hormone that helps control blood sugar and appetite. Over time, researchers noticed something that is very beneficial—patients taking these medications also seemed to have fewer heart problems.

To understand this link, scientists from several medical centers analyzed data from 21 large clinical trials, including nearly 100,000 people worldwide. Participants had conditions such as diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, or heart failure and were followed for about two and a half years on average.

What Did the Research Discover?

The study combined results from different GLP-1 drugs, including semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, and tirzepatide, and compared them with inactive treatments (placebos).

How the study was done:

• Researchers looked at people who were already at high risk for heart disease.
  
• They tracked deaths, heart attacks, strokes, hospitalizations for heart failure, and serious side effects.
  
• Results were analyzed together to measure the overall benefit of GLP-1 medicines.
  

The results:

• 12% fewer deaths from any cause.
  
• 13% lower risk of dying from heart disease.
  
• 13% fewer major heart events such as heart attack or stroke.
  
• 15% fewer hospitalizations for heart failure.
  
• 9% fewer serious side effects overall.
  
• However, some people had more stomach or gallbladder problems, such as nausea or gallstones.
  

Importantly, the heart benefits were seen in people with and without diabetes, showing that the drugs may help a much wider range of patients.

How Can I Apply This Information?

This was a review of research studies.  The study adds to growing evidence that GLP-1 medicines have benefits beyond diabetes treatment..

For patients and families, here’s what it means:

• If you have diabetes: GLP-1 drugs not only help control blood sugar but may also protect your heart.
  
• If you don’t have diabetes but have obesity or heart disease: These medicines could still lower your risk of heart attacks and strokes, though your doctor will weigh the benefits against side effects.
  
• These drugs aren’t for everyone. Some people experience nausea, vomiting, or gallstones, and the medicines can be expensive.
  
• Talk to your doctor. Only a medical professional can decide if a GLP-1 medicine is right for you based on your health, weight, and risk factors.
  

The researchers concluded that GLP-1 drugs reduce deaths and major heart problems in people at risk for cardiovascular disease, offering hope that these medicines may play a larger role in heart protection in addition to blood sugar control.

Source:

Pinkerton JV, Simon JA, Joffe H, Archer DF, Bachmann GA, Constantine GD, et al. Elinzanetant for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: OASIS 1 and 2 randomized clinical trials. JAMA. 2024;332(16):1343-1354. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.14618. Accessed by: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0735109725074923