Stopping GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic or Wegovy May Reverse Heart Benefits, Study Warns

Study Finds Stopping GLP-1 Drugs May Reverse Cardiovascular Benefits

Discontinuing GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy may quickly reverse the cardiovascular benefits gained from their use, according to a new study published in BMJ Medicine. Researchers found that stopping these drugs for as little as six months can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even death.

GLP-1 drugs are widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, but their cardiovascular advantages have also been well-documented. The study underscores the potential risks of early discontinuation, emphasizing the need for sustained use to maintain heart health benefits.

Key Findings on GLP-1 Discontinuation and Cardiovascular Risk

The study analyzed data from 333,687 veterans over three years. Researchers compared 132,551 individuals taking GLP-1 medications for type 2 diabetes with 201,136 taking sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide, glimepiride, glyburide).

Key outcomes included:

• 26% of participants stopped taking GLP-1 medications during the study.
• 23% had an interruption of six months or more before resuming treatment.
• Continuous use of GLP-1 drugs was linked to fewer cardiovascular events.

Why Do People Stop Taking GLP-1 Medications?

Researchers noted that many patients discontinue GLP-1 drugs early due to factors such as:

• High cost
• Side effects
• Medication shortages

How GLP-1 Drugs Benefit Cardiovascular Health

Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency medicine physician not involved in the study, explained the mechanisms behind GLP-1 drugs' cardiovascular benefits:

“GLP-1 drugs likely help cardiovascular health through several pathways at once, not just by lowering weight. They improve blood sugar control, modestly lower blood pressure, may improve lipid and vascular function, and seem to reduce inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque growth and progression. Some evidence also points to direct protective effects on the heart and blood vessels independent of weight loss.”

He added, “In practical terms, they appear to reduce the underlying process of inflammation that drives heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure over time.”

Expert Warns Against Premature Discontinuation

Senior study author Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a clinical epidemiologist at Washington University School of Medicine and chief of the Research and Development Service at the VA Saint Louis Health Care System, highlighted the lack of attention given to the consequences of stopping GLP-1 drugs:

“There is enormous exuberance about starting GLP-1 drugs, but not nearly enough attention to what happens when people stop.”

With approximately 1 in 8 adults in the U.S. currently taking a GLP-1 medication, the study serves as a critical reminder of the importance of long-term adherence to these drugs for sustained cardiovascular protection.