A recent study from UT Southwestern suggests that the weight-loss drug liraglutide, often prescribed for managing obesity, could also help protect heart health.
This medication, when combined with lifestyle changes such as healthier eating and exercise, significantly reduced two types of harmful fat linked to heart problems: visceral fat and ectopic fat.
Visceral fat, also known as belly fat, surrounds key internal organs like the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Too much of it can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease and diabetes.
Ectopic fat, on the other hand, accumulates in places where fat is not normally stored, such as the liver, heart, and skeletal muscles. Excess fat in these areas is particularly dangerous as it can impair organ function and increase disease risk.
The study included 185 participants who were overweight or obese and had an increased risk of heart disease. These participants received a once-daily injection of liraglutide for 40 weeks.
The researchers observed that the drug led to a substantial reduction in visceral fat—particularly in individuals without diabetes. In fact, the impact of liraglutide on fat reduction was twice as strong in the abdominal region and six times greater in the liver compared to its effect on overall body weight.
Notably, the benefits of liraglutide extended beyond fat reduction. It also lowered blood sugar levels and reduced inflammation in participants without diabetes, adding to its potential as a heart-protective therapy.
These findings provide insights into how liraglutide may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, which are often linked to obesity and excess fat.
Obesity is a widespread health challenge, affecting roughly one in four adults and one in five children. It significantly increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions.
Excess visceral and ectopic fat are central to the development of these diseases, making effective treatments like liraglutide particularly valuable.
While lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise remain the foundation of weight management, they don’t always work for everyone. Medications like liraglutide offer a promising option for those who need extra support in reducing harmful fat and improving overall health.
The study was conducted by Dr. Parag Joshi and his team and published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. Their findings highlight the importance of addressing both weight loss and fat distribution to improve health outcomes.
For people without diabetes who are struggling with obesity and high heart risks, liraglutide may be a powerful addition to existing treatments.
If you’re considering weight-loss strategies, it’s always a good idea to discuss your options with a healthcare provider to determine what’s best for you.
This study adds to growing evidence that targeted treatments like liraglutide can offer benefits beyond weight loss, potentially helping reduce the risk of chronic diseases linked to obesity.
If you care about weight, please read studies about diet that can treat fatty liver disease, obesity, and hop extract could reduce belly fat in overweight people.
For more information about weight, please see recent studies about how to curb your cravings for ready-to-eat foods, and results showing what you can eat to speed your metabolism up.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
