Prescribed on cardiovascular grounds rather than for weight, and almost everything written for patients assumes the opposite.
Relative versus absolute is the distinction that gets lost: a 20% relative reduction on a high baseline risk is a large absolute benefit, and the same relative figure on a low baseline risk is a small one.
The question I want answered is how much of the SELECT benefit is plausibly independent of the weight loss, and whether that distinction changes anything practical.
Tell me what I have not thought of.
BethLabQueen said:Prescribed on cardiovascular grounds rather than for weight, and almost everything written for patients assumes the opposite.
Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of GLP-1 agonists and cardiovascular risk: beyond weight loss, GLP-1R activation directly suppresses NF-κB signaling, reduces NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and decreases monocyte/macrophage adhesion to endothelium[1].
Clinical correlates: hsCRP reduction of 30-60% (consistently seen across trials), reduced carotid intima-media thickness, and decreased coronary plaque inflammation on PET imaging.
These anti-inflammatory effects likely contribute to the cardiovascular benefit seen in SELECT — and may explain benefits beyond what weight loss alone would predict.
[1] Hogan AE, et al. Diabetologia. 2014;57(4):781-784.
LibrarianMeg said:Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of GLP-1 agonists and cardiovascular risk: beyond weight loss, GLP-1R activation directly suppresses NF-κB signaling,…
Dizziness and cardiovascular risk: I was lightheaded for the first 3 weeks. Root cause was a combination of reduced caloric intake and mild dehydration.
Fix: minimum 80-100oz water daily, don't skip meals even if you're not hungry (eat small protein-rich snacks), and stand up slowly from sitting/lying positions. Also check your blood pressure — GLP-1-induced weight loss can make BP meds too strong, requiring dose reduction.
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View ResultsBethLabQueen said:Prescribed on cardiovascular grounds rather than for weight, and almost everything written for patients assumes the opposite.
Mine went the same way, slower.
Adding the clinical framing, because it changes how the question reads.
I'm 48 years old and want to share my perspective on cardiovascular risk as an older member of this community.
My doctor was initially hesitant because of my age, but the SELECT trial included patients up to 72 and showed consistent benefit across age groups. We started at the lowest dose with closer monitoring.
15 months later: down 52 lbs, off atorvastatin, A1C from 8.4% to 5.3%. My cardiologist is thrilled. cardiovascular risk is absolutely relevant for older adults — don't let anyone tell you otherwise.