Question 148 of 433
Do they do more than cause weight loss?
The short answer
Yes. In people with obesity and heart disease, semaglutide cut heart attacks, strokes, and cardiac deaths by 20 percent, and the benefit appeared before much weight was lost.
That result, from the SELECT trial of 17,600 people, changed cardiology. Other trials have shown slower kidney disease, improvement in a common type of heart failure, less sleep apnea, less fatty liver disease, and less knee pain. Researchers are studying effects on addiction and dementia, though a large trial of oral semaglutide for early Alzheimer’s reported no benefit in late 2025.
Are they “longevity drugs” for healthy thin people? There is no evidence for that, and I do not prescribe them that way.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST HUMAN TRIALS — Specific high-risk populations and drugs: cardiovascular, kidney, or other indicated outcomes; not all users share every benefit.Evidence grade (draft mapping)ARobust human trialsPart 11, Q148 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.