During the last three months of 2022, healthcare providers wrote more than 9 million prescriptions for diabetes medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, as well as the higher-dose Wegovy, which is approved for weight loss.

Since then, researchers have been tracking people who take the medications and discovered some additional benefits.

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved Wegovy for prevention of heart disease in people who are obese or overweight and have a history of cardiovascular disease.

Data from the SELECT study of more than 17,000 patients found that over three years, the drug’s active ingredient, semaglutide, reduced the composite risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke by 20%.

Another study that has yet to be published found that in people with diabetes and related kidney disease, Ozempic cuts the risk of kidney disease progression and cardiovascular complications by 24%.

These medications do have negative side effects for some people, including pancreas problems, slow stomach emptying, nausea, and blocked intestines, making it impossible for a small percentage of patients to stay on the drugs permanently, as is recommended.

If you have obesity and heart woes or are developing Type 2-related kidney disease, ask your doctor if these medications may be a good choice for you — always in combination with a healthy lifestyle that includes stress management, a plant-based diet, and daily physical activity.

For detailed ways to upgrade your lifestyle and 24-7 support online, check out LongevityPlaybook.com.