Two ground-breaking studies released at the European Congress on Obesity have clarified how semaglutide, a drug mainly used for type 2 diabetes, affects persons who are overweight or obese but do not have diabetes over time. 

The studies, based on the biggest and longest clinical trial to date, show encouraging results in improving cardiovascular health and weight control.

Headed by Professors Donna Ryan of Pennington Biomedical Research Centre and John Deanfield of University College London, the first study looked at how semaglutide affected cardiovascular outcomes and weight reduction over time.

Reserachers followed over 17,000 people for four years and discovered that people on semaglutide lost a notable 10% on average weight and achieved waist circumference reduction by over seven centimetre. It is worthwhile to note here that this weight loss was accomplished in multiple geographical locations and demographics, including varied races, ages, and body sizes. 

According to researchers, this suggests that a broad spectrum of people having trouble controlling their weight may find semaglutide to be a helpful treatment.

Underling the the possible benefits of such a large and sustained weight loss for public health, Professor Ryan pointed out that weight loss not only reduced cardiovascular events but also helped in lowering the risk of other obesity-related illnesses including osteoarthritis, mental health disorders, and several malignancies.

The fact that semaglutide users reported fewer serious side events than those in the placebo group further pointed to a strong safety profile for the medication.

According to Professor Deanfield from of University College London, who oversaw the second trial and which examined the relationships between semaglutide treatment, cardiovascular outcomes, and weight loss, it was surprising to find that the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide were unaffected by the person's starting weight or amount of weight loss. 

This suggests that persons who are mildly obese or have lost a little amount of weight may benefit from semaglutide treatment, he added.

Semaglutide has promise as an extra treatment in cardiovascular care, according to Professor Deanfield, especially for individuals whose weights are comparable to those in the research. Beyond its function in weight management, he underlined, semaglutide may have cardiovascular benefits through its impact on blood sugar, blood pressure, inflammation, or direct actions on the heart and blood vessels.

Even with these encouraging results, the researchers warn that the study's reach is restricted. Primary prevention was not the aim of the experiment, hence not all individuals who are overweight or obese will benefit from its results. In addition, even though the study comprised a sizable and varied population, more investigation is required to determine any potential variations in the medication's effects among various racial groups.

Though these studies offer strong proof that semaglutide has promise for long-term weight control and cardiovascular health,  its influence will need more study and clinical trials to be completely understood and its application in the fight against obesity-related health problems optimised.