Beyond Weight Loss: The Heartening New Benefits of GLP-1s

By Dr Mark Larkin, PhD, Medical Director, Pharmacy Price Hound

Introduction

GLP-1 medicines such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) are best known for weight management and diabetes care. But new research is changing that narrative.

In September 2025, results from the SELECT trial presented at the European Society of Cardiology (New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 389 • Number 24 • December 14, 2023 Pages: 2221-2232)  revealed that semaglutide reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by 20% in overweight patients with heart disease but without diabetes.

This is practice-changing data, and it pushes GLP-1s firmly into the cardiovascular prevention conversation.

October 2025 Price Snapshot

Key trend: While the clinical evidence grows, UK patients still face steep private costs, especially for long-term use. NHS coverage for heart disease prevention is not yet available.

Clinical Significance: Heart Protection Beyond Weight Loss

The SELECT trial enrolled over 17,000 patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Importantly, these participants did not have diabetes, shifting GLP-1s firmly beyond their original remit.

• 20% reduction in heart attacks, strokes, or cardiovascular deaths.
• Likely mechanism: anti-inflammatory effects in blood vessels, beyond weight loss alone.
• Implication: GLP-1s could join statins and antihypertensives as part of a cardiovascular prevention toolkit.

Dr Mark Larkin, PhD

“This is more than a weight-loss story. New evidence now suggests GLP-1s offer direct cardiovascular protection, which could have major implications for how we treat patients at risk of heart disease. The challenge will be ensuring access without overwhelming NHS budgets.”

UK Market Analysis 

• NHS access: Currently restricted to obesity under strict criteria. GLP-1s are not yet prescribed for cardiovascular prevention.
• Private sector: Patients can access GLP-1s for weight management, but monthly costs remain £200–£300.
• Policy outlook: NICE, the governmental cost-effectiveness body, will review SELECT data, with widespread adoption for cardiovascular prevention depending on their positive recommendation.

FAQs

Can GLP-1s be prescribed for heart disease in the UK?
Not yet. Their use for cardiovascular prevention awaits assessment by NICE and, if positive, supporting guidance.

Will the NHS cover this new use?
That depends on cost-effectiveness, which is the purview of NICE. The NHS is cautious about high-cost medicines unless long-term savings are clear.

Are private prescriptions available?
Yes, but currently only for weight management, not heart disease prevention.

Does this mean GLP-1s replace statins?
No. Statins and blood pressure medicines remain first-line. GLP-1s may become an additional option in the future.

Conclusion

The SELECT trial has redefined how we think about GLP-1 medicines. No longer just weight-loss or diabetes treatments, they may soon be recognised as powerful cardiovascular drugs.

But for UK patients today, access remains limited. Costs are high in the private sector, and NHS approval for heart disease prevention will take time.

Patients should see this development as promising, but not yet practice-ready. Discussing risk factors with a GP remains the most immediate step for heart health.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Patients should always seek professional guidance before starting or changing treatment.

Author & Sources

Author: Dr Mark Larkin, PhD

• Medical Director, Pharmacy Price Hound
• Academic publications in health economics

Primary Sources:

• SELECT Trial (2025) data presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress
• NICE NG28 Diabetes Guidelines
• NHS Heart Disease Statistics
• Dr Fox, Chemist4U, Oxford Online, Superdrug Online pharmacy pricing (October 2025)