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New obesity medicines recommended to reduce heart disease risk in new clinical consensus statement
Heart Foundation releases new guidance to reduce obesity in people with established or high-risk of heart disease
People in Australia living with overweight and obesity will now have clearer, evidence-based guidance from their healthcare professionals to manage their weight and lower their risk of a heart attack or stroke.
The Heart Foundation is today launching the nation’s first Clinical Consensus Statement on Obesity and Cardiovascular disease (CVD), intended to serve as the gold standard of overweight and obesity management for healthcare professionals whose patients have heart disease or a high risk of developing it.
Around two thirds of adults in Australia are either overweight or obese, with more than half the adult population projected to be obese by 2035. Currently, 1 in 4 children aged between 2 and 717 years is overweight or obese.*
The Heart Foundation led the Statement’s development over a period of 12 months, supported by a National Taskforce of 22 experts and informed by more than 800 individual pieces feedback during public consultation.
The Consensus Statement recommends managing obesity and CVD risk via four pillars:
- Nutrition:
- A heart‑healthy eating pattern continues to be recommended, with reduced energy intake advised for weight loss.
- Physical Activity:
- Regular physical activity, including moderate to vigorous aerobic activity and resistance training to improve heart and overall health
- Clarity on the use of weight loss drugs – which carry some heart health benefits beyond just weight loss:
- Semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist) should be considered for weight loss in people with established CVD (e.g. history of heart attack) to reduce cardiovascular risk
- a GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist with proven cardiovascular benefit (including semaglutide, liraglutide or tirzepatide) should be considered in adults with type 2 diabetes to reduce cardiovascular risk
- Some GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide and tirzepatide) have been shown to improve symptoms and quality of life in some types of heart failure
- And when and how to recommend weight loss surgery (metabolic bariatric surgery):
- Where lifestyle changes and medicines have not led to weight loss related health improvements or for people with a high BMI, metabolic bariatric surgery may be recommended.
The Consensus Statement also considers weight stigma, the unique needs of high-priority populations and the growing clinical significance of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome.
Cardiometabolic health is a key pillar of the Heart Foundation’s 25-year vision to reduce heart disease across Australia, Health for Every Heart.
The Clinical Consensus Statement on Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease is now publicly available, alongside a suite of practical resources, on the Heart Foundation website and will be updated as required.
COMMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO DAVID LLOYD, HEART FOUNDATION CEO
"Overweight and obesity are significant health issues facing people in Australia. Around two thirds of adults are either overweight or obese, with more than half the adult population expected to be obese by 2035 unless we act now.
“This Consensus Statement will give people the confidence to seek help to manage their weight and protect their heart health, backed by the most current expert guidance.”
COMMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO PROFESSOR GARRY JENNINGS AO HEART FOUNDATION CHIEF MEDICAL ADVISOR
“New therapies have changed what is possible in obesity care and this statement shows how to use them safely and appropriately to improve heart health.
“This is a line in the sand moment for cardiovascular care in Australia: obesity must be addressed early, seriously and as part of lifelong heart health.”
