Wegovy May Lower the Risk of Death From COVID-19

Recent research published on Everyday Health has revealed surprising findings about Wegovy (semaglutide), a popular weight loss medication. According to a large study, people taking Wegovy for weight loss were 33% less likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those on a placebo. This discovery opens new discussions about the broader health benefits of the drug, beyond weight loss.

The study, which was part of the SELECT trial and presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Conference in 2024, initially focused on the cardiovascular benefits of Wegovy. Researchers were aiming to see how the drug impacted heart disease, but they found unexpected results related to COVID-19 as well. Over the 3.3-year study, Wegovy reduced the risk of death from both heart disease and COVID-19. While it didn’t prevent people from catching the virus, it seemed to help them survive it.

How Does Wegovy Help in Lowering the Risk of Death From COVID-19?

While Wegovy is already known to reduce heart attack and stroke risks in people with obesity, researchers are curious about why it also lowered deaths from COVID-19. Experts, including lead study author Dr. Benjamin Scirica from Harvard Medical School, suggest that the benefits may stem from more than just weight loss. There’s a possibility that Wegovy improves overall health, positively affecting the kidneys, liver, and possibly even the immune system. This could explain why those on Wegovy experienced fewer severe COVID-19-related issues and deaths.

Dr. Dan Azagury, a bariatric surgeon at Stanford Medicine, supports this theory. He notes that obesity has long been associated with poor COVID-19 outcomes due to fat cells being particularly receptive to the virus. Losing weight with Wegovy may have reduced the likelihood of severe infections, improving survival rates during the pandemic.

Beyond Weight Loss: A Boost for the Immune System?

While researchers are still exploring the full scope of Wegovy’s effects, the results are promising. The study highlights that people who used the drug had not only a 15% lower risk of heart disease but also a 23% reduction in deaths from other causes, including COVID-19. Whether these effects are tied solely to weight loss or if Wegovy also enhances the immune system remains an exciting area for future research.

For those battling obesity, Wegovy may offer more than just a slimmer figure—it could improve overall health and even protect against life-threatening conditions like COVID-19. If you're looking to buy Wegovy for weight loss, get a free prescription from a healthcare provider like us. Start the medication based on your body's suitability for better, positive results.