A major study examined Vegovi, a medication used for weight management and blood sugar control, and found a notable reduction in cardiovascular risk by about 20 percent. The results appeared in a prestigious medical journal, highlighting Vegovi as a potential tool in reducing heart-related events for people who are overweight or obese and already managing cardiovascular disease.
In this international trial, more than 17,500 participants across 41 countries took part. The study focused on adults over 45 who had a body mass index of 27 or higher, which falls into the overweight or obese categories. Participants were monitored for roughly three years. All volunteers received standard cardiovascular medications, and about half were randomly assigned to receive weekly injections of Vegovi while the other half received a placebo, which is an inert treatment used to compare outcomes.
The key finding showed that 6.5 percent of individuals taking Vegovi experienced heart attack, stroke, or death related to heart disease, compared with 8 percent in the placebo group. This translates to a 20 percent reduction in cardiovascular risk for the Vegovi group. In addition to the cardiovascular benefit, body weight tended to decrease among those on Vegovi by about 9 percent, whereas the placebo group saw a weight loss of less than 1 percent. The weight reduction was accompanied by improvements in metabolic and inflammatory markers, including lower cholesterol, better blood sugar control, and reduced blood pressure, all of which can contribute to a lower cardiovascular risk profile.
Researchers note that it remains unclear whether the observed cardiovascular protection is primarily driven by weight loss or by direct effects of Vegovi on the cardiovascular system. The study also reported that about 17 percent of participants stopped taking Vegovi due to adverse gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other related symptoms. These side effects are a known consideration when weighing the overall benefits and risks of the therapy in real-world use [NEJM study].
In related context, researchers have previously explored strategies for early cancer detection, including attempts to identify stomach cancer at a very early stage with high accuracy. While progress in this area is ongoing, the current trial with Vegovi emphasizes the potential for lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions to influence cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk populations. The findings invite careful discussion about patient selection, monitoring, and long-term safety when considering Vegovi as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction [Citation: NEJM trial].
Overall, the study contributes to a growing body of evidence on how weight loss medications can interact with cardiovascular health outcomes in people who carry both obesity and heart disease. Health professionals considering Vegovi will weigh the magnitude of potential benefits against tolerability and individual risk factors, aiming to optimize both weight management and heart protection over time. Ongoing post-trial surveillance and real-world data will help clarify the balance of advantages and side effects in diverse patient groups.