20% Lower Major Cardiovascular Event Risk With Semaglutide
SELECT is a large peer-reviewed outcomes trial in a defined cardiovascular-risk population. Its 20% relative risk reduction refers to a composite endpoint in participants with established cardiovascular disease—not a general promise for everyone seeking weight management.
A major cardiovascular event occurred in 6.5% of the semaglutide group and 8.0% of the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.80).
The primary composite endpoint was cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke. Permanent discontinuation because of adverse events occurred more often with semaglutide than with placebo in the trial.
Turn the study result into a better program comparison
If you are comparing GLP-1 programs after reading this study, begin with the care details that support an informed clinician conversation: brand-name medication access, follow-up model, public price terms, and whether a provider’s plan fits your situation. These programs have supplied GLP-1 offers and are not endorsed by the study.
From $49 – $129/mo · Editorial score 4.7/5
Featured value terms: semaglutide $49/mo or tirzepatide $89/mo with 12-month prepayment; $99/$129 month to month.
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Study details
- Population
- 17,604 adults aged 45 or older with established cardiovascular disease, BMI of at least 27, and no diabetes
- Follow-up
- Mean follow-up of 39.8 months
- Treatment comparison
- Once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg compared with placebo alongside standard cardiovascular care
- Study design
- Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled outcomes trial
A study result is not a personal treatment plan
This trial does not replace cardiovascular care or determine whether semaglutide is appropriate for an individual. It does not compare online providers, insurance benefits, or pharmacy access. People with cardiovascular conditions should discuss treatment choices with their own licensed clinician.
Compare GLP-1 programsWhat this result does not show
- The study population was at least 45 years old, had established cardiovascular disease, had BMI of at least 27, and did not have diabetes.
- The 20% figure is a relative reduction in the trial’s composite cardiovascular endpoint, not a guarantee of individual benefit.
- The trial compared semaglutide 2.4 mg with placebo under standard cardiovascular care, not provider quality, program affordability, or telehealth access.
- The study was funded by Novo Nordisk; the peer-reviewed paper and disclosure materials are linked at the end of this article.
Related Studies
Explore other peer-reviewed results in Evidence Watch before comparing programs or discussing options with a clinician.
Primary peer-reviewed source
Read the full paper, methodology, conflict-of-interest disclosures, and supplementary materials before drawing conclusions beyond this plain-English summary.
Read the study at New England Journal of Medicine