Semaglutide effects on safety and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundSemaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that provides a reduction in glycated hemoglobin and weight. The objective was to evaluate whether the use of semaglutide, in individuals with overweight or obesity, reduces cardiovascular outcomes and adverse effects (AE).MethodsThe data bases Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were surveyed.ResultsInitially, 3333 articles were found, of which 19 articles were included. An additional search included 19 studies, totaling 38 articles. Relative risk (RR) values were significant for hospitalization due to heart failure (HF) 0.24 95% CI 0.12-0.57 (n = 2; 1045 participants; I-2 = 0.18), death due to cardiovascular causes 0.83 95% CI 0.71-0.98 (n = 3; 24 084 participants; I-2 = 0.21), death from any cause 0.79 95% CI 0.70-0.89 (n = 3; 24 084 participants; I-2 = 0.07), coronary revascularization 0.76 95% CI 0.69-0.85 (n = 2;20 951 participants; I-2 = 0.41), and non-fatal myocardial infarction 0.76 95%CI 0.66-0.88 (n = 3; 24 084 participants; I-2 = 0.21), with a difference between the subgroups (p = 0.05), favoring the subcutaneous administration route. The RR of stroke was 0.65 95% CI 0.44-0.97 for patients with diabetes (n = 2; 6480 participants; I-2 = 0.66). There was no difference between the frequency of constipation and routes of administration, as well as between doses of oral semaglutide. The RR of adverse effects was only not significant for discontinuation of treatment for oral semaglutide.ConclusionThe use of semaglutide reduced 76% in hospitalization due to HF, 17% deaths due to cardiovascular causes, 21% deaths due to any cause, 24% non-fatal myocardial infarction, 24% coronary revascularization and 35% stroke (in patients with diabetes). The use of semaglutide was associated with a higher relative risk and frequency of most adverse effects evaluated.