Recent studies have raised concerns about the long-term effects of popular weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, particularly in relation to heart health, Science Alert reports.
These drugs, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, have been widely praised for their short-term benefits, including improved metabolic health, pain relief, and even potential effects on cognitive and addiction-related issues. However, experts are beginning to examine the potential side effects, particularly regarding muscle loss.
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Alberta in Canada has focused on the impact of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, on heart muscle. While the weight loss effects of GLP-1 drugs are well-documented, less is known about their impact on the heart, specifically the cardiac muscles responsible for pumping blood.
In their study, the researchers administered semaglutide to both lean and obese mice over a 21-day period. The obese mice experienced significant weight loss, shedding about 30% of their body weight and 65% of their fat mass. Meanwhile, lean mice showed a smaller reduction in body mass. In both groups, however, researchers observed a reduction in heart mass and a decrease in the size of heart muscle cells, even though there were no changes in heart function or the thickness of heart walls.
The researchers found that these effects on heart muscle size occurred independently of the weight loss, leading them to suggest that semaglutide may directly affect cardiac muscle cells. In further experiments with human cardiac cells in the lab, similar reductions in muscle cell size were observed. While the study did not confirm atrophy or direct damage to heart muscles, it raises the possibility that the drug could cause negative long-term effects on heart tissue.
However, the authors caution that the exact implications of these findings remain unclear. There were no significant markers of muscle atrophy in the studies, and it is not yet known whether this reduction in heart muscle size is harmful. In some cases, such changes could potentially offer benefits, but the risk of detrimental effects, especially for individuals with existing heart conditions or muscle atrophy, cannot be ruled out.
This research underscores the need for careful monitoring of heart health in patients using GLP-1 medications like semaglutide, particularly for those with cardiovascular disease or a history of muscle-related health issues. Researchers have called for further studies to explore whether lifestyle factors like diet and exercise could help mitigate any potential loss of heart muscle.
The study’s findings were published in The Lancet, and the team of researchers, led by clinical scientist Matthew Martens, emphasized the importance of evaluating cardiac structure and function in ongoing clinical trials. Supporting this call, a recent paper published by the American Heart Association also highlighted the need for more comprehensive research into the effects of GLP-1 drugs on muscle health, given the growing number of patients who may be using these medications in the long term.
