Wegovy Shows Significant Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Benefits Across Menopausal Stages
Event summary
- Wegovy® demonstrated an average 22.6% weight loss in premenopausal women with obesity, with 41.4% achieving 25% or more weight loss.
- Substantial weight loss was consistent across all menopausal stages, with significant reductions in waist circumference.
- Women taking Wegovy® had a 42–45% lower risk of migraine and a 25% lower risk of depression compared to menopausal hormone therapy alone.
- The findings were presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2026 in Istanbul, based on the STEP UP and SELECT trials.
- Wegovy® also showed meaningful risk reductions in heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with obesity and heart disease.
The big picture
Novo Nordisk's data on Wegovy® underscores the drug's potential to address a critical gap in obesity management for women across different menopausal stages. With cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death in women worldwide, the findings highlight Wegovy's role in reducing cardiometabolic risks. The results position Novo Nordisk to capitalize on the growing demand for effective weight management solutions tailored to women's unique health challenges.
What we're watching
- Market Expansion
- How Wegovy's demonstrated benefits across menopausal stages will influence its market penetration and adoption among women with obesity.
- Regulatory Approvals
- The pace at which regulatory authorities will approve the once-daily Wegovy® pill, currently pending marketing approval from the EMA.
- Competitive Dynamics
- Whether Novo Nordisk can sustain its leadership in the obesity management market amid growing competition and increasing focus on women's health.
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