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Semaglutide therapy in patients with obese heart failure leads to marked weight loss and notable gains in mood, function, and QoL over the course of 1 year. 

A retrospective analysis published in the June 2025 issue of Clinical Research in Cardiology about obesity that had been prevalent in heart failure (HF), contributing to reduced QoL and increased depressive symptoms, while the effects of semaglutide on health and mood remained uncertain.  

Researchers examined the effects of semaglutide on body weight, health status, and mood over 1 year in individuals with HF and obesity.  

They assessed 122 individuals with HF and obesity who were treated consecutively with semaglutide between January 2019 and August 2023. The primary endpoints included changes in body mass index (BMI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary Score (KCCQ-OSS) from baseline to 1 year. Secondary endpoints involved changes in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels.  

The results showed that semaglutide led to a significant 1-year reduction in BMI, with a mean change of −2.23 kg/m² [95% CI −2.71 to −1.75; P< 0.001], consistent across baseline BMI groups (<35 kg/m² and ≥35 kg/m²; P for interaction = 0.26).The HADS anxiety scores declined from 5 [IQR: 2–8] to 3 [IQR: 1–7; P= 0.037], and depression scores dropped from 6 [IQR: 3–8] to 3 [IQR: 1–6; P< 0.001]. The KCCQ-OSS improved from 62 [IQR: 52–77] to 82 [IQR: 55–95; P< 0.001]. These improvements were observed across all subgroups based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (≥50% or <50%), BMI (≥35 kg/m² or <35 kg/m²), cardiomyopathy type, and diabetes status. Notable gains were also seen in the NYHA functional class and NT-proBNP levels in 1 year.  

Investigators concluded that semaglutide significantly improved health status and mood in individuals with HF and obesity, with these benefits closely associated with weight loss. 

Source: link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00392-025-02694-5