Medicines offer more hope for health than weight loss: Wegovy and Mounjaro in the spotlight!

heart stethoscope
30/03/2025

You may already know that Wegovy and Mounjaro are used to help with weight loss and diabetes. But what if they could do more than just lower the number on the scales?

Research is now showing that these medications could protect your heart too—even if you don’t lose a lot of weight. That’s a game-changing discovery for millions of people.

As a pharmacist prescriber with expertise in this area, I want to help break down what this means for you—and how we can explore the best options for your health.


What Are Wegovy and Mounjaro?

Let’s start with the basics.

Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a medication originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, which works in a similar way but targets two hormone pathways instead of one.

Both drugs are part of a group called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They work by mimicking natural hormones in your body that help control blood sugar, reduce appetite, and slow digestion—making you feel fuller for longer.

These effects help with weight loss, but we’ve also found they have a surprising impact on heart health.


Wegovy and the SELECT Trial: A Big Win for Heart Health

A major clinical trial called SELECT looked at people who were overweight or obese and had existing heart disease—but didn’t have diabetes.

Those who took Wegovy (semaglutide) had a 20% lower risk of serious heart problems, including:

• Heart attacks

• Strokes

• Cardiovascular-related deaths

Even more interesting: this benefit was seen even in people who didn’t lose a lot of weight.

This tells us that Wegovy may be doing more than helping people slim down—it may be improving blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation, all of which are closely linked to heart health.

healthy system

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has become incredibly popular, especially in the United States, and it’s now gaining momentum in the UK too. While it’s officially licensed for type 2 diabetes (and recently for weight loss in some countries), scientists are seeing promising signs that it may also support heart health.

In a recent study called SUMMIT, people with heart failure and obesity who took Mounjaro saw:

38% reduction in risk of worsening heart failure or cardiovascular death

• Better quality of life

• Lower body weight and waist size

Although it’s not yet licensed specifically for heart protection, this data is encouraging. Mounjaro may offer a new way to support people with obesity-related heart conditions—whether or not weight loss is the main goal.


So How Do These Medicines Help the Heart?

Let’s break it down simply. Whether you’re taking Wegovy or Mounjaro, they seem to help the heart in several key ways:

Better blood sugar control – even for people without diabetes

Lower blood pressure – easing strain on the heart

Improved cholesterol – especially reduced “bad” LDL cholesterol

Less inflammation – a hidden cause of many heart conditions

Weight loss – which still helps, but isn’t the only factor

These combined effects can lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure—even if the scale doesn’t change much.

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A Personalised Approach to Heart and Weight Health

This is where things get really exciting—and personal.

As a qualified pharmacist prescriber, I can work with you to:

• Assess your individual health risks

• Help you understand your options with medicines like Wegovy or Mounjaro

• Create a treatment plan tailored to your goals—whether that’s weight loss, heart protection, or both

You don’t have to wait for a GP referral to start the conversation. I’m here to support you with expert advice and a caring, personalised approach.


Is It Right for You?

These medicines aren’t for everyone, and they should always be prescribed and monitored by a professional. Here are some questions we can explore together:

• Do you have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure?

• Are you struggling with weight-related health problems?

• Have you tried lifestyle changes but need more support?

• Do you want to reduce your future risk of heart events?

If you answered yes to any of the above, it may be worth booking a consultation to talk through the safest and most effective options.


What’s Next in the Research?

Wegovy has already been approved for reducing heart risk in some people. Mounjaro may not be far behind.

Researchers are also looking at other uses for these medications, including:

• Reducing the risk of kidney disease

• Improving fatty liver disease

• Managing conditions like PCOS and sleep apnoea

As we learn more, these treatments may become key tools in preventing serious health conditions, not just managing them once they’ve happened.


how to calculate body fat Neath

Final Thoughts: There’s More to Health Than a Number on the Scales

It’s easy to focus on weight as the main sign of progress. But the science is now showing us that the real magic of medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro might be in what they do beneath the surface—for your heart, your circulation, and your future health.

If you’re curious about how these treatments could support your health goals, it’s worth having a chat—with your GP or with a specialist pharmacist prescriber like me.

Let’s find the best path forward—together.


🌿 Ready to Take Control of Your Heart and Weight Health?

Ali Sparkes is a UK award-winning pharmacist and qualified prescriber who has been helping clients achieve their weight and wellness goals since 1992. With a post-graduate diploma in wellness coaching, she brings together expert medical knowledge and a compassionate, whole-person approach to care.

If you’re considering treatments like Wegovy or Mounjaro, or simply want trusted guidance tailored to your health, Ali is here to support you.

Book a consultation today and start your personalised path to better health.

Categories: Healthy Weight