Semaglutide for treating overweight or obesity with cardiovascular disease

Semaglutide is in clinical development for the treatment of overweight or obesity in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Obesity is a long-term (chronic) health condition that progresses over time and is commonly defined by excess body fat (adipose tissue) that may impair health. Obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing serious diseases, including CVD, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Complex mix of factors like genetic, environmental, and psychological factors can increase a person’s risk of obesity. Symptoms of overweight or obesity range from excess abdominal fat, shortness of breath, fatigue, and joint pain. People living with obesity are often faced with several different mental health conditions resulting in a higher risk of depression, poor self-esteem, and issues with body image. Currently, there are very limited effective and durable interventions available to reduce body weight and specifically target the increased cardiovascular risk associated with obesity.