SELECT Trial
The 17,604-patient cardiovascular outcomes trial showing semaglutide cut major cardiac events by 20% in adults with obesity.
SELECT (Lincoff et al., NEJM 2023) asked a bigger question than the scale: does treating obesity with semaglutide prevent heart attacks and strokes? In 17,604 adults with obesity or overweight and established cardiovascular disease — but no diabetes — weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg reduced major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% relative to placebo over several years.
The result reframed the category: GLP-1 therapy became cardiovascular medicine, insurers gained a reason beyond weight to cover it, and Wegovy's label added the cardiovascular indication. For patients with heart disease in the family history, SELECT is the trial that turns "cosmetic" skepticism about weight treatment into a risk-reduction conversation worth having with a doctor.
This glossary entry is general information, not medical advice, and is written to be consistent with FDA prescribing information and primary trial publications as of its last review. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal medical decisions.
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