The treatment landscape for obesity and Type 2 diabetes has been fundamentally altered by GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Semaglutide. Recent studies reveal that these agents offer benefits beyond weight reduction—they also provide cardiovascular protection, slow the progression of kidney diseases, and even reduce cancer risk.
Cardiovascular Protection: The Numbers Speak for Themselves
The SELECT study, involving over 17,600 patients without diabetes, provides compelling evidence that Semaglutide reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events (MACE) by 20%. In the treatment group, such events occurred in 6.5% of participants compared to 8.0% in the placebo group. Similar findings were reported in the SUSTAIN-6 study, which showed a reduction in MACE among diabetic patients (6.6% vs. 8.9%). The FLOW study in 2024 further supports this narrative, indicating that Semaglutide slows the progression of chronic kidney disease, with weight loss playing a significant role—averaging around 9.4%.
Broadening Benefits: Reduced Breast Cancer and Alzheimer’s Risk
Analyses released in June 2026 have significantly broadened the potential applications of GLP-1 agonists. A study from the University of Pennsylvania published in JCO Oncology Practice suggests that the incidence of breast cancer in women aged 45 to 80 may decrease by 30.5% to 35.1%. Additionally, a National Institutes of Health study observed that the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is reduced by 33% in patients using GLP-1 agonists, with SGLT2 inhibitors achieving up to a 43% reduction in this area.
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Data from the ECO Congress 2026 suggest that Semaglutide is associated with a lower risk of migraines and depression among women in menopause. When combined with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), weight loss increases from about 14% in monotherapy to up to 19.2%.
Potential Downsides: Sensory Side Effects Under Scrutiny
Despite clinical successes, specific side effects have been brought into focus. An analysis involving over 438,000 patients published in JAMA Otolaryngology (2026) found that Semaglutide and Tirzepatide increased the risk of smell and taste disorders by 38%. Although the absolute risk remains low, the effect has been consistent over two years. The S-LiTE study shows that medications alone do not exploit all vascular benefits; additional physical activity is needed to improve the intima-media thickness of the carotid artery—Liraglutide alone did not achieve comparable results.
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New Substances and Guidelines: A Rapidly Evolving Market
Eli Lilly’s triple agonist, Retatrutide, has shown in studies a weight loss of up to 28% after 80 weeks. With increasing prevalence rates—currently, 5.4% of children in Germany are classified as obese—new treatment guidelines are gaining importance. A recent S3 guideline for those aged 11 to 25 includes 15 specific therapy recommendations. Furthermore, the ACC/AHA guidelines released in March 2026 emphasize that the ApoB level allows for more precise risk assessment for heart attacks compared to traditional LDL cholesterol.
The upcoming German Heart Report, to be presented on September 16, 2026, in Berlin, is expected to yield further insights into cardiac arrhythmias.
