Update on Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Management

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Obesity is a global epidemic linked to significant cardiovascular risks and dysmetabolic alterations.
• Effective management of obesity is crucial for improving quality of life and reducing mortality.
• Current strategies include lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapies, and weight loss procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathophysiology of obesity and its cardiovascular impact.
• To explore the role of different obesity phenotypes in cardiovascular diseases.
• To summarize novel clinical management strategies for obesity-related cardiovascular prevention.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on obesity, cardiovascular risk, and treatment modalities.
• Analysis of the mechanisms of action for obesity pharmacotherapies, particularly GLP-1RAs.
• Examination of clinical trial data on GLP-1RAs for cardiovascular outcomes in obese populations.

Main Results:

• GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) modulate metabolic pathways, improving glucose control and reducing body weight.
• Semaglutide has demonstrated efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events for secondary prevention in obese patients with existing cardiovascular disease.
• The effectiveness of GLP-1RAs for primary cardiovascular prevention in obese individuals requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

• GLP-1RAs represent a significant advancement in managing obesity and its cardiovascular complications.
• Semaglutide is approved for secondary cardiovascular prevention in obese patients with cardiovascular disease.
• Further research is needed to establish the role of GLP-1RAs in primary cardiovascular prevention for the broader obese population.