The Independent Pharmacy

How Weight Loss Injections Could Benefit Your Heart Health

Scott McDougall
Scott McDougall
MPharm GPhC 2079324
Director & Registered Manager

We understand how frustrating it can be when you’re struggling to lose weight, and you’ve probably heard lots about how weight loss jabs could be the answer. But did you know they may keep your heart healthy too? These treatments do more than just help you shed the pounds – research shows they may also reduce the risk of conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease.

“Over the past couple of years, weight loss medications such as Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy have exploded in popularity,” says Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor with The Independent Pharmacy. “While they’re typically known for their weight loss benefits, new studies have revealed many more potential ways they can improve wellbeing, including cardiovascularly.

With February marking Heart Month and helping to raise awareness around cardiovascular wellness, there’s never been a better time to explore the heart health benefits of weight loss injections.

Key Takeaway 1

Weight loss injections may reduce risk of cardiovascular events

Key Takeaway 2

These treatments help manage blood pressure and cholesterol

Key Takeaway 3

Results are supported by recent medical studies

Understanding The Heart Health Benefits

Weight loss injections are well known for their ability to help you lose excess body weight and to improve your overall well-being, but more recent research has shown they can aid heart function too.

Weight loss injections were originally developed to help people with type 2 diabetes regulate their blood sugar before they became known for supporting sustainable weight loss. Studies on their effect on heart health have since shown they can also help reduce risk in those who are overweight but don’t have diabetes, benefitting a much wider group of people.

A 2023 American study revealed weight loss injections could lower the risk of major cardiac events such as heart attack or stroke by as much as 20%. Those who took Wegovy (semaglutide) alongside cholesterol-reducing medications like statins, had their risk of heart attack reduced by 28%. Non-fatal strokes dropped by 7% and cardiac-related deaths fell by 15%.

While this is great news for anyone with weight-related and heart conditions, the injections need to be combined with healthy eating and an active lifestyle. It’s important to increase activity and eat a calorie-controlled diet to experience sustainable and long-lasting weight loss and heart health benefits.

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Managing Blood Pressure And Cholesterol

If you suffer from high blood pressure or cholesterol, weight loss injections may help to improve them. When you start using the injections it helps you shed the pounds. This reduces strain on your heart and in turn lowers your blood pressure.

The American study also showed that as weight loss injections regulate and lower blood sugar levels, they may also reduce the levels of bad LDL cholesterol, which is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. In fact, the injections could even increase the amount of good HDL cholesterol in your body.

Essentially, the knock-on effect of the jabs beyond just weight loss can benefit you and your health in different ways, especially when combined with an active lifestyle and healthy, balanced diet.

Hands holding a small model heart

Reducing Heart Inflammation

Weight loss injections don’t just help you manage your weight, they can also help reduce inflammation in your body too. Studies show these treatments may reduce C-reactive protein levels (CRP), a substance your liver makes when you have inflammation.

Think of it as a warning signal – when levels are high it means your body is fighting off something like an infection, injury or long-term health issue.

Why does it matter? Inflammation plays a big role in heart disease, contributing to narrowed arteries, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart attacks. By lowering CRP levels, weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may help protect your heart and improve overall cardiovascular health.

This added benefit means that beyond losing weight, these medications could help reduce strain on your heart, improve circulation, and lower long-term health risks. If you’re considering a weight loss treatment, this heart-protective effect could be another great reason to explore your options.

Important Considerations For Treatment

While weight loss treatments can be highly effective there are a few things to keep in mind before you start them. Side effects, costs and lifestyle changes can all play a part in how much progress you make.

Like any medication, weight loss jabs may cause side effects like nausea, diarrhoea and constipation. In rare cases, they have been linked to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas which helps with digestion and blood sugar control).

To maintain results you’ll need regular injections, which can add up over time. Make sure you understand the long-term costs, so it doesn’t impact your ability to stay on the treatment.

And finally, for maximum success you need to look at the bigger picture, not just the jabs in isolation. "While these injections do wonders for weight loss, they work best when combined with healthy habits like regular exercise and a balanced diet," says Dr Grant

Always Remember...

It is essential that you speak to a licensed medical professional before starting any weight loss medication. They can provide personalised, expert guidance, assess potential risks and ensure that your chosen treatment is safe and suitable for your health needs.

Start Losing Weight For A Healthier Heart

It is increasingly clear weight loss injections won’t just help you shed pounds; they could be good for your heart too. From lowering blood pressure to reducing inflammation these treatments are showing a raft of potential health benefits. As research continues, the heart-boosting effects of such medications are becoming more evident too.

That said, they’re not a quick fix. Long-term success comes from balancing the injections with healthy lifestyle choices including a good diet and regular movement. If you’re thinking about weight loss injections, chat to a medical professional now to see if they’re suitable for you.

What's Next?

Looking to lose weight and improve your heart health? Our discreet, free consultation takes just three minutes. No hassle, no waiting. Get expert advice now from the comfort of your own home and find the right weight loss treatment for you. Start today and take your first steps towards better health.

Sources:

https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/why-your-cardiologist-may-prescribe-semaglutide-wegovy

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2307563

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/411497

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11827920/


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Scott McDougall

Authored by

Scott McDougall
Scott McDougall
MPharm
2079324
Director & Registered Manager

Scott is one of the two founders of The Independent Pharmacy. He is a registered pharmacist and the registered manager of our service with the CQC.

Daniel Hurley

Reviewed by

Daniel Hurley
Daniel Hurley
MPharm IP
2078790
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.