Anti-Obesity Medications in Patients With Heart Failure: Current Evidence and Practical Guidance

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Obesity is a major risk factor for heart failure (HF), especially HF with preserved ejection fraction.
• Many HF patients also have obesity, necessitating effective management strategies.
• Cardiovascular benefits of anti-obesity medications, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists, are gaining clinical attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current data on obesity management in HF patients.
• To discuss the safety and efficacy of anti-obesity medications in HF.
• To outline future research directions and provide clinical management advice.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing clinical trial data on anti-obesity medications in HF patients.
• Analysis of evidence for GLP-1 receptor agonists in HF with preserved ejection fraction.
• Synthesis of information on emerging anti-obesity drugs and clinical practice.

Main Results:

• Limited but confirmative data exists for GLP-1 agonists in HF with preserved ejection fraction, showing safety and weight loss efficacy.
• Improvements in HF functional status, inflammation biomarkers, and HF stability were observed.
• Evidence for broader HF populations remains limited, highlighting an area for investigation.

Conclusions:

• Anti-obesity medications, especially GLP-1 agonists, demonstrate potential for managing obesity in select HF patients.
• Further research is needed to establish safety and efficacy across the full spectrum of HF.
• Multidisciplinary management is crucial for patients with co-existing HF and obesity.