A new study has found that the active ingredient in weight loss drug Wegovy, semaglutide, may help treat a type of fatty liver disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Researchers discovered that two-thirds of patients who received semaglutide experienced reduced liver inflammation and one-third showed improvement in liver scarring. The study also found that patients lost an average of 8.5% of their body weight during the 72-week study.
The disease, which affects an estimated 1.5-6.5% of U.S. adults, occurs when fat builds up in the liver, leading to inflammation and scarring. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent liver damage, liver failure, or even cancer. The condition is linked to metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
According to Dr. Robert Brown Jr., chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Weill Cornell Medicine, lifestyle interventions such as weight loss and healthy eating can help reduce the risk of MASH. However, more effective treatments are needed, particularly for those who have already developed liver scarring.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a medication called resmetirom to treat MASH, but it is not yet clear how it works or whether it is as effective as semaglutide. Further research is needed to fully understand the benefits of these medications for treating fatty liver disease.
In the meantime, experts recommend that people take steps to reduce their risk of developing MASH, such as eating a healthy diet, staying active, and losing weight. They also suggest drinking filtered coffee without added sugar or cream may help protect the liver.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/active-ingredient-weight-loss-drug-wegovy-treat-type/story?id=121312107