Semaglutide Might Protect Kidney Function in Obese Individuals with Cardiovascular Disease

Previous research shows that both obesity and cardiovascular disease can raise a person’s risk of developing kidney disease. A recently published study found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medications Ozempic and Wegovy — may help reduce the progression of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes. 

Now, research recently presented at the 61st European Renal Association Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, reports semaglutide may also help protect kidney function in people who are overweight or obese and also have established cardiovascular disease. 

This study’s results are from the SELECT (Semaglutide Effects on Heart Disease and Stroke in Patients with Overweight or Obesity) trial, which includes more than 17,000 participants.By addressing key markers of kidney health, semaglutide 2.4 mg [milligrams] weekly may contribute to a significant reduction in the risk of kidney-related complications, including chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. This could lead to improved management of comorbidities and, ultimately, enhance the quality of life for individuals with obesity. 

Researchers examined how semaglutide might impact a person’s estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which measures how much waste and excess water the kidneys filter out of the blood through urine. 

Participants receiving semaglutide had a significantly lower decline in eGFR than those in the placebo group, indicating semaglutide’s potential kidney function protection in people with pre-existing kidney impairment. 

The scientists also looked at how semaglutide affected participants’ urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). UACR measures the ratio of the protein albumin to waste product creatinine in the urine, which helps doctors determine if a person has albuminuria, which can be a sign of kidney issues. The observed benefits in eGFR and UACR are particularly encouraging, suggesting potential for the enhanced management of kidney complications in the patient population with overweight and obesity without diabetes. The findings also underscore the importance of continued research into the possible renal benefits of semaglutide and highlight its role as a promising therapeutic option in the multifaceted management of cardiovascular and renal health in this high-risk population.

Doctors say that a lot of kidneys’ function depends on the heart’s function as the kidneys’ job is to filter blood, and its efficacy depends on how well the blood is sent to the kidney from the cells. Furthermore, the kidneys function themselves conversely to heart function, as some of the function of the kidneys is to regulate blood vessel dilation and constriction. And so this hypotension also affects the health of the blood vessels of the heart. Researchers need to continue to find new ways of protecting kidney function in people who are obese with heart disease because kidney disease has significant morbidity and mortality in the United States.