Evaluation of the effect of semaglutide on certain cardiovascular risk factors in overweight or obese healthcare workers. The “Start with yourself” program: a post-registration, single-center, prospective study of routine clinical practice

The aim. To evaluate the effect of semaglutide on certain cardiovascular risk factors in patients with obesity.

Materials and methods. The study included 50 individuals: men and women aged 18 to 65 years, patients with overweight (BMI ≥ 27 and < 30) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30), combined with at least one comorbidity (prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus), arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, or cardiovascular disease. Patients received subcutaneous semaglutide (Velgia®) once a week. Clinical examination was performed, including: interview, blood pressure measurement, anthropometric data assessment (height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, and hip circumference), cardiovascular risk assessment using the SCORE scale, biochemical blood analysis (including lipid profile), and adverse event registration.

Results. A significant decrease in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and hip circumference was observed after 12 weeks of semaglutide therapy. By 24 weeks, a sustained reduction in these indicators continued. After 6 months of semaglutide use, positive changes in the lipid profile were identified: a decrease in total cholesterol by 8.27% due to a decrease in non-HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol by 12.73 %, triglycerides by 13.09 %, and the atherogenic index by 1.83 %. Velgia® therapy for 6 months led to a reduction in the calculated 10-year cardiovascular risk according to the SCORE2 scale by 18.6 %. Analysis of anthropometric and biochemical blood data showed a significant decrease in indicators, indicating a reduced risk of cardiovascular events in patients with obesity.

Conclusion. During semaglutide therapy, no clinically significant changes were observed in liver function parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin), pancreas (amylase), kidneys (creatinine, urea, GFR), and systemic inflammation markers (CRP). However, a significant decrease in transaminase activity (ALT, AST) and blood uric acid concentration was noted. The registered adverse events (primarily gastrointestinal: nausea, epigastric discomfort) were temporary and moderate in nature. No cardiovascular events were observed during the use of semaglutide.

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