The popular weight loss drug, Wegovy, has been given a new indication by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular-related death in adults with heart disease who are overweight or obese. This approval could potentially expand insurance coverage for the medication, making it more accessible to those who need it.
The maker of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk, has also filed for an expanded label in the European Union following the FDA’s decision. The approval was based on a large study of over 17,000 adults aged 45 and older, which showed that participants who received Wegovy had a lower incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular events compared to those who received a placebo.
Despite the positive results, it is still unclear whether the benefits of Wegovy are solely from weight loss or if the drug has additional benefits for heart health. Dr. Melanie Jay from N.Y.U. Langone Comprehensive Program on Obesity emphasized the importance of treating obesity seriously, stating that it can lead to good outcomes in individuals with a high burden of disease.
This new indication for Wegovy highlights the potential for weight loss medications to have broader impacts on overall health and well-being. With further research and expanded use, drugs like Wegovy could play a significant role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in high-risk populations.
