Thursday, 04 September, 2025
Weight-loss drugs could halve the risk of hospitalisation or premature death in heart patients, according to the largest study of its kind.
The drugs, known as GLP-1 agonists, have shown “dramatic benefits” for people with heart conditions, significantly reducing the likelihood of severe illness or early death. The findings, presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual conference in Madrid, suggest that millions of patients could benefit from these medications.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a hormone that signals fullness and were originally developed to treat diabetes. Recent research indicates they may also save lives beyond obesity management. The new study found that they could reduce hospitalisation or death in heart patients by up to 58%.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham in Boston analysed real-world data from over 90,000 obese patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), the most common form of the condition. Those taking semaglutide were 42% less likely to be hospitalised or die early, while tirzepatide reduced the risk by 58%.
With over 60 million people worldwide living with heart failure, previous studies had hinted at cardiovascular benefits from weight-loss drugs, but this is the first large-scale study to assess their impact on hospitalisation and mortality. The results were simultaneously published in JAMA, the journal of the American Medical Association.
Dr Nils Krüger, lead author and cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, said: “Current treatment options for HFpEF are limited. Semaglutide and tirzepatide, known for weight loss and blood sugar control, may also significantly reduce adverse outcomes for patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. These findings point to a much-needed treatment option for heart failure patients.”
Earlier studies support the cardiovascular benefits of these drugs. In May, semaglutide was linked to a 20% lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease, regardless of patients’ starting weight or the amount of weight lost.
Dr Carlos Aguiar, vice-president of the European Society of Cardiology, said: “Semaglutide and tirzepatide reduce hospitalisation for heart failure and all-cause mortality. These drugs may work beyond weight loss to improve outcomes in patients with heart failure—a promising development.”
While further evidence is needed before prescribing these drugs specifically to prevent heart-related complications, Dr Aguiar called the results “good news.”
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director of the British Heart Foundation, added: “These findings strengthen the case for weight-loss drugs in heart failure patients with obesity. Eligible patients should be considered for these therapies alongside other evidence-based treatments to reduce hospital admissions and mortality.”
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Weight-loss drugs could halve the risk of hospitalisation or premature death in heart patients, according to the largest study of its kind.
The drugs, known as GLP-1 agonists, have shown “dramatic benefits” for people with heart conditions, significantly reducing the likelihood of severe illness or early death. The findings, presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual conference in Madrid, suggest that millions of patients could benefit from these medications.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a hormone that signals fullness and were originally developed to treat diabetes. Recent research indicates they may also save lives beyond obesity management. The new study found that they could reduce hospitalisation or death in heart patients by up to 58%.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham in Boston analysed real-world data from over 90,000 obese patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), the most common form of the condition. Those taking semaglutide were 42% less likely to be hospitalised or die early, while tirzepatide reduced the risk by 58%.
With over 60 million people worldwide living with heart failure, previous studies had hinted at cardiovascular benefits from weight-loss drugs, but this is the first large-scale study to assess their impact on hospitalisation and mortality. The results were simultaneously published in JAMA, the journal of the American Medical Association.
Dr Nils Krüger, lead author and cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, said: “Current treatment options for HFpEF are limited. Semaglutide and tirzepatide, known for weight loss and blood sugar control, may also significantly reduce adverse outcomes for patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. These findings point to a much-needed treatment option for heart failure patients.”
Earlier studies support the cardiovascular benefits of these drugs. In May, semaglutide was linked to a 20% lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease, regardless of patients’ starting weight or the amount of weight lost.
Dr Carlos Aguiar, vice-president of the European Society of Cardiology, said: “Semaglutide and tirzepatide reduce hospitalisation for heart failure and all-cause mortality. These drugs may work beyond weight loss to improve outcomes in patients with heart failure—a promising development.”
While further evidence is needed before prescribing these drugs specifically to prevent heart-related complications, Dr Aguiar called the results “good news.”
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director of the British Heart Foundation, added: “These findings strengthen the case for weight-loss drugs in heart failure patients with obesity. Eligible patients should be considered for these therapies alongside other evidence-based treatments to reduce hospital admissions and mortality.”
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