Popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have shown promising short-term results, but their long-term side effects remain under investigation.
Researchers at the University of Alberta found that semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) reduced overall heart mass and the size of heart muscle cells in both lean and obese mice, without altering body weight or heart function. In lab experiments, human heart muscle cells also showed significant size reductions when treated with semaglutide.
While the researchers cannot confirm if semaglutide directly causes cardiac muscle atrophy or shrinkage, it’s unclear if this potential effect is harmful. However, the findings suggest that semaglutide might pose long-term risks to heart muscles, particularly for those with cardiovascular disease or muscle atrophy.
The authors emphasize the need for further research to assess the effects of GLP-1 agonist drugs like semaglutide on cardiac structure and function, especially given the increasing number of patients likely to use these medications.
Source: ScienceAlert
