Breaking the weight loss paradox: from weight reduction to cardiovascular benefit in obesity treatment.

Abstract

Obesity is a growing global epidemic and a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, previous weight loss interventions have largely failed to demonstrate consistent cardiovascular benefits. While lifestyle modifications remain the cornerstone of obesity management, their long-term efficacy is limited, and most individuals eventually regain the lost weight. Pharmacological approaches have historically been hindered by safety concerns and a lack of proven cardiovascular outcome benefits. Bariatric surgery remains the most effective intervention for long-term weight management and metabolic improvement, with accumulating evidence supporting its role in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular events. However, its accessibility and eligibility criteria limit its widespread adoption. Recent advances in the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and multireceptor agonists have transformed obesity treatment. Semaglutide became the first obesity pharmacotherapy to demonstrate a significant 20% reduction in the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events in the SELECT trial, although its impact on secondary end points was neutral. More potent agents, such as tirzepatide and retatrutide, have achieved unprecedented weight loss (up to 24%), raising the possibility of greater cardiovascular benefits. Beyond weight loss, these drugs exert pleiotropic effects on inflammation, endothelial function, and atherosclerosis, which may contribute to their cardioprotective potential. As pharmacotherapy continues to evolve, personalized treatment approaches targeting metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular health will be crucial in redefining obesity care. This review explores the current landscape of obesity pharmacotherapy, its cardiovascular implications, and the emerging role of next-generation therapies in obesity management.