Semaglutide is used for weight loss but may benefit kidneys and heart

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist sold under the brand names of Ozempic and Wegovy. (Reuters: Hollie Adams)

New research shows people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease who took semaglutide (commonly sold as Ozempic) once a week had improved kidney outcomes, even if they have heart disease or heart failure.

This builds on previous research which found the drug had "consistent benefits" preventing heart attacks, strokes, and death due to cardiovascular causes in those with chronic kidney disease.

More research is needed to understand the mechanisms for how semaglutide improves kidney disease outcomes, but experts say treating obesity and type 2 diabetes has flow on effects for the kidneys.

Semaglutide — a medication commonly sold as Ozempic or Wegovy — is typically associated with weight loss.

But it can also slow the progression of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

A new analysis published today found people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease who took semaglutide once a week had improved kidney function and survival rates, even if they had a history of heart attacks, strokes or heart failure.

Ozempic-style medications have been recommended as long-term treatments for obesity under new guidelines released by the World Health Organization.

It builds on previously published research which found the drug had "consistent benefits" on preventing heart attacks, strokes, and death due to cardiovascular causes in those with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Katherine Tuttle, the lead researcher for the new analysis and professor of medicine at the University of Washington, described semaglutide as a "highly kidney protective therapy".

"While reducing risks of major adverse cardiovascular events is paramount for people with heart disease or high heart disease risk, staying alive without the need for dialysis to sustain life is equally important," she said.

So, how does a drug developed to help people with type 2 diabetes and popularised as a weight-loss therapy help slow the progression of kidney disease?

Ozempic is part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which were originally designed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar levels.

These drugs mimic the activity of a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).

In recent years, GLP-1 mimicking medicines have gained popularity as weight-loss drugs as they slow digestion and helping people feel full for longer.

People on Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonist drugs commonly report they no long