GLP-1s and Cardiovascular Risk: What the Latest Evidence Reveals

GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide are often described as “game changers” for weight loss and cardiovascular health, and in many ways, the data support that claim. Clinical trials suggest meaningful reductions in major cardiovascular events, offering hope for individuals struggling with metabolic disease.

But there’s an important nuance that deserves more attention: what happens when these medications are stopped?

In this conversation, Dr. Bret Scher explores emerging real-world data showing that the benefits of GLP-1s, particularly for cardiovascular risk, appear to depend on continued use. For many individuals, stopping the medication leads to a reversal of progress, raising important questions about long-term strategy, sustainability, and what true metabolic healing looks like.

• Are we managing symptoms, or addressing root causes?
• What role should medications play in long-term care?
• How can we use powerful tools like GLP-1s to support, rather than replace, sustainable metabolic change?

For some individuals, long-term use may be appropriate and beneficial. But we need to broaden the conversation toward approaches that aim to improve underlying metabolic health, support lasting behavior change, and ultimately reduce reliance on lifelong interventions when possible.

If you’re exploring GLP-1s or are currently taking one, consider speaking with your healthcare provider about how to pair your treatment with sustainable lifestyle strategies such as nutrition, physical activity, and metabolic support, to help maintain progress over time.

👉 How do GLP-1 medications impact mental health? Learn more on our blog:

Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mental Health: Are GLP-1 Drugs Linked to Suicidal Thoughts?

🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.

#MetabolicMind #GLP1 #FoodAsMedicine

Expert Featured:

Dr. Bret Scher

• Baszucki Group Medical Director
• https://x.com/bschermd

Resources Mentioned:

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist discontinuation and risks of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes: target trial emulation

• https://bmjmedicine.bmj.com/content/5/1/e002150

Coalition for Metabolic Health: GLP-1 Policy Brief

• https://coalitionformetabolichealth.org/resources/glp-1-medications-and-metabolic-health/

Free CME Clinician Trainings:

Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.

Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt

Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.

Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/

About us:

Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.

Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.