Do GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy (semaglutide) help with high blood pressure?

Semaglutide, currently sold as Wegovy (for obesity) or Ozempic (for diabetes), has been hyped by various public figures as the new miracle weight-loss drug. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy, even became the most valuable company in Europe in early September 2023 thanks to the miracle injection. For people with high blood pressure the topic is interesting because Wegovy can be prescribed from a BMI of 30. If there are weight-related health problemssuch as high blood pressurethe drug can be prescribed from a BMI of 27. At a height of 1.75 m, weighing 82.5 kg already gives a BMI of 27. We have a separate article here about BMI and how to calculate it.

But does semaglutide really live up to the promise of an easy way to lose weight?

Semaglutide for diabetes

Semaglutide was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. This common lifestyle-related form of diabetes is considered acquiredcaused by things like an unhealthy diet and too little exerciseand was formerly called adult-onset diabetes. Today, more younger people and even children are developing this type of diabetes. Semaglutide preparations are an alternative to existing medications for people with diabetes, used when other options cause intolerances or dont work well enough.

Semaglutide for weight loss

The drug has also proven effective for weight loss. Patients treated with it not only improved their blood sugar control but also lost weight. For that reason, higher-dose semaglutide was approved as an adjunct treatment for obesity (BMI of 30 or more) or for overweight (BMI of 27 or more) when there are related conditions caused by the excess weight, such as high blood pressure. Adjunct treatment means the drug doesnt play the main role in therapy but supports basic measures like changes in diet, increased activity and behavior change when those measures alone arent enough. The drug can be prescribed in these cases, but patients usually have to cover the cost themselves. It is injected once a week and will likely need to be continued long-term, because weight typically returns after stopping. That shows how important lifestyle changes are, since only they can keep the weight off in the long run.

How does semaglutide work?

Semaglutide is a medicine that mimics the action of the bodys own hormone GLP-1. GLP-1 is a peptide hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. It stimulates insulin release and suppresses the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar. It also slows stomach emptying and promotes a feeling of fullness. Semaglutide is a synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it binds to and activates the same receptor as GLP-1. Unlike GLP-1, which is quickly broken down in the body, semaglutide has a longer half-life and works for longer. This explains semaglutides weight-reducing effect, since it reduces appetite and lowers calorie intake. As with other weight-loss drugs, semaglutide can cause side effects, especially in the gastrointestinal tract, such as nausea and diarrhea. The long-term effects and risks of semaglutide are not yet fully known.

Semaglutide for high blood pressure

The beneficial effect on blood pressure that is, the blood-pressure-lowering effect is attributed to the weight loss. A direct effect on blood pressure has not been found so far. Nevertheless, blood pressure should be monitored, because, as described, reductions can occur. This may require adjustments to blood pressure medication.

The basic approach remains changing ones behaviordiet, physical activity and certain habitstoward an overall healthier lifestyle to keep weight down long-term and protect against weight-related diseases. Semaglutide can support these efforts. But, like many previously hyped weight-loss drugs, it is not a miracle cure for losing weight.

Other GLP-1 analogues

Besides semaglutide there are other so-called GLP1 analogues. For example, tirzepatide (in Mounjaro), liraglutide (in Saxenda and Victoza) or dulaglutide (in Trulicity). Other active substances include albiglutide, exenatide and lixisenatide. There are already studies examining their effects on blood pressure. For example, a study on tirzepatide was published in February 2024. The results are quite promising, although the effect is at least partly due to weight loss.

Is long-term treatment necessary?

Further studies showed that the effect of the so-called weight-loss injections is lost after stopping the drug. Patients treated with them could not maintain the lower weight without the medication and therefore lost the achieved improvements in cardiovascular risk factors. One year after stopping, 80% of participants in one study had regained at least a quarter of the lost weight; most had regained between half and three-quarters of itand with that came the old health risks. The more weight participants regained, the more their blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipid values worsened. Those who regained 75% of the lost weight ended up with almost as poor values as before treatment.

Sources:

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This article comes from BloodPressureDB – the leading app since 2011 that helps hundreds of thousands of people monitor their blood pressure every day. Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based information and is continuously updated (as of 01/2026).

Author Sabine Croci is a certified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care. Since 2015 she has led the editorial team at BloodPressureDB. With additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder, and training in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably reviewed information.