Contact Us

How Semaglutide 2.4mg Weekly Injections Work for Weight Loss and Heart Health

Before looking at the cardiovascular benefits, it is important to first understand how semaglutide 2.4mg weekly injections function. This treatment belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which were originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes. At the higher 2.4mg dose, semaglutide has been clinically approved for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight, and is now supported by strong evidence showing added protection for heart health.

How Semaglutide Works in the Body

Semaglutide mimics the effects of a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). By activating GLP-1 receptors, it helps regulate appetite and food intake, slows down stomach emptying to create earlier satiety, and improves overall metabolic control. Together, these effects result in sustained weight loss and better metabolic balance, which in turn support long-term cardiovascular health.

Why Cardiovascular Effects Are Important

Obesity is one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. While lifestyle measures such as diet and exercise are important, they often provide only modest improvements in reducing these risks. Few treatments have been shown to directly lower the risk of major heart events.

Semaglutide 2.4mg stands out because it not only aids weight loss but also delivers proven cardiovascular benefits. Clinical research shows that patients with obesity and established cardiovascular disease can achieve both weight reduction and meaningful heart protection with this therapy.

Clinical Trial Results: Semaglutide 2.4mg Reduces Heart Attack and Stroke Risk

One of the most significant studies evaluating semaglutide 2.4mg is the SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial. This large-scale, international study provided the first clear evidence that a weight loss injection can also protect against serious heart complications.

Study Design and Patient Profile

The SELECT trial enrolled more than 17,000 adults who were overweight or obese and had a history of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease. None of the participants had diabetes, which allowed researchers to study the direct cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide 2.4mg beyond its blood sugar–lowering effects. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either weekly semaglutide 2.4mg injections or placebo, alongside standard heart care and lifestyle guidance. The median follow-up lasted nearly 42 months.

Key Results – Lowering Major Cardiovascular Events

The trial found that semaglutide 2.4mg significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, a measure that includes cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, and non-fatal stroke. The event rate was 6.5 percent in the semaglutide group compared with 8.0 percent in the placebo group. This translates to a 20 percent relative risk reduction, representing a clinically meaningful decrease in life-threatening heart events.

Consistent Benefits Across Patient Groups

The protective effects of semaglutide 2.4mg were observed across a wide range of patients, regardless of age, sex, baseline body mass index, or kidney function. This consistency strengthens the reliability of the findings and shows that the treatment can benefit diverse groups of people living with obesity and cardiovascular disease.

What Does MACE Mean?

In cardiovascular research, MACE stands for major adverse cardiovascular events. This combined measure includes cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, and non-fatal stroke. By grouping these outcomes together, researchers can better evaluate the overall effect of treatments on serious heart risks. In the SELECT trial, the reduction in MACE confirmed that semaglutide 2.4mg provides more than weight loss support—it also lowers the risk of dangerous cardiovascular complications.

Real-World Results: Semaglutide 2.4mg Heart Protection Beyond Clinical Trials

While clinical trials provide controlled data, real-world studies are equally important in showing how treatments work in everyday practice. Research outside the trial setting has confirmed that semaglutide 2.4mg weekly injections consistently reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular complications in patients with obesity and established heart disease.

Evidence of Ongoing Heart Protection

Real-world studies tracking patients prescribed semaglutide 2.4mg have demonstrated fewer major cardiovascular events over time, including lower rates of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death. These findings mirror what was observed in the SELECT trial and provide reassurance that the benefits extend beyond research settings.

Improved Long-Term Outcomes in Daily Practice

Even among patients who may not have perfect adherence to treatment, semaglutide 2.4mg use has been associated with meaningful reductions in cardiovascular risks. This highlights its value as a long-term therapy that can help protect heart health in real-world populations, not just in carefully selected trial participants.

Long-Term Benefits of Semaglutide 2.4mg for Heart Health and Longevity

The advantages of semaglutide 2.4mg extend well beyond short-term weight loss. By addressing both obesity and cardiovascular risk, this treatment has the potential to significantly improve public health outcomes and reduce the long-term burden of heart disease.

Preventing Hundreds of Thousands of Heart Events

Population modelling suggests that widespread use of semaglutide 2.4mg among eligible adults could prevent hundreds of thousands of major cardiovascular events over a ten-year period. These include heart attacks, strokes, and other serious complications that often lead to disability, hospitalisation, and loss of quality of life.

Reducing Premature Deaths Linked to Obesity

The same modelling studies estimate that semaglutide 2.4mg could also prevent a large number of premature deaths caused by obesity-related cardiovascular disease. By improving both survival and overall health, this therapy offers benefits that go far beyond aesthetics, helping individuals live longer, healthier lives.

Safety and Side Effects of Semaglutide 2.4mg Weekly Injections

Like all prescription medications, semaglutide 2.4mg weekly injections may cause side effects. The most common are related to the digestive system and include nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, or mild abdominal discomfort. These effects are usually temporary and often improve as the body adapts to treatment.

Balancing Benefits and Risks for Heart Health

While some patients may experience side effects, the benefits of semaglutide 2.4mg are substantial. Clinical trials and real-world studies show a significant reduction in the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. For most individuals with obesity and established heart disease, the protective cardiovascular effects outweigh the manageable gastrointestinal symptoms.

Importance of Doctor Guidance and Monitoring

Because semaglutide 2.4mg is a prescription therapy, it should only be started after a thorough consultation with a qualified doctor. Regular follow-up visits help monitor progress, manage side effects, and ensure safe use of the medication. At our clinic in Singapore, patients receive tailored treatment plans and ongoing medical supervision to maximise both weight loss results and heart health benefits.

Semaglutide 2.4mg in Singapore: Who Should Consider This Treatment

For adults in Singapore who are overweight or obese, semaglutide 2.4mg weekly injections offer more than just support for weight reduction. Clinical research shows that this treatment not only helps with sustained weight loss but also lowers the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. This dual benefit makes it a valuable option for patients seeking both aesthetic improvement and long-term health protection.

Who May Be Suitable Candidates in Singapore

Semaglutide 2.4mg may be considered for adults with obesity who also have cardiovascular disease, especially if lifestyle measures such as diet and exercise have not achieved sufficient results. A doctor will carefully review each patient’s medical history, current medications, and cardiovascular risk factors before recommending treatment. Patients who are motivated to lose weight but are also concerned about heart health may benefit most from this therapy.

Why Doctor Supervision Matters

As a prescription-only medication, semaglutide 2.4mg must be used under proper medical supervision. At our clinic in Singapore, every patient receives a personalised plan with ongoing monitoring to ensure safe and effective progress. Regular reviews help track both weight loss results and cardiovascular outcomes, while also managing any side effects. This doctor-guided approach ensures that patients gain the maximum health benefits from treatment.

Semaglutide 2.4mg FAQ: Weight Loss and Heart Protection Explained

Next Steps for Patients Considering Semaglutide 2.4mg in Singapore

If you are living with obesity and are concerned about your risk of heart attack or stroke, semaglutide 2.4mg weekly injections may be a suitable option. Clinical trials and real-world studies confirm that this treatment not only supports meaningful weight loss but also provides protection against serious cardiovascular events.

The best way to find out if you are a candidate is through a consultation with a qualified doctor. During your visit, your medical history, cardiovascular risk profile, and weight management goals will be reviewed to determine whether semaglutide 2.4mg is right for you.

Take the next step towards better health and improved quality of life.

👉 Book a consultation at our clinic in Singapore to discuss semaglutide 2.4mg and explore safe, effective options for weight loss and heart protection.

Dr Edwin Lim

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), PgDip Practical Dermatology (Cardiff), MSc Practical Dermatology (Cardiff), Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine, (AAAM), Accredited by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG)
Devoted to Beauty
Achieved through Science
This article has been medically reviewed by Dr Edwin Lim
Dr Edwin has a fond interest in Aesthetic injectable procedures such as Fillers, Skinboosters and Botox. He is passionate about enhancing one's beauty by delivering natural looking results with well placed injections.

The care you deserve

The Results You Want

Achieve your goals with Dr Edwin Lim
+65 9637 2218
© 2025 Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic