A recent study has found that semaglutide, a GLP-1 drug sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, may have a positive impact on kidney health in individuals with excess weight and cardiovascular disease. The study, presented at the 61st ERA Congress, suggests that receiving a weekly injection of semaglutide may help prevent complications like chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease that often accompany obesity.
Researchers evaluated the health data of 17,604 individuals with overweight or obesity and heart disease over a 3.5-year period. They found that those who received a once-weekly injection of semaglutide experienced 22% fewer kidney-related events compared to those who received a placebo. Semaglutide also appeared to help the kidneys filter blood more effectively, resulting in lesser declines in glomerular filtration rates and significant decreases in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio.
The study's findings have been met with enthusiasm from health experts, who believe that semaglutide could be a valuable therapeutic option for individuals with comorbidities, ultimately improving their quality of life. Dr. Shiara Ortiz-Pujols, an obesity medicine physician, expressed her support for the study's results, indicating that semaglutide's benefits on kidney function were expected based on her clinical experience.
While the study's findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand semaglutide's effects on kidney function and potential side effects. However, the results suggest that semaglutide may offer a preventive measure against kidney disease in individuals with excess weight, diabetes, and hypertension. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of semaglutide in improving kidney health and treating comorbidities in individuals with obesity and cardiovascular disease.