Big News in Heart Health : Why Cardiologists Are Now Recommending GLP-1s
If you've heard about medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, you probably associate them with weight loss or diabetes. But here's a groundbreaking update you might not have seen coming: cardiologists—the heart experts—are now recommending these medications as a first-line treatment for patients who carry extra weight and are at risk for heart disease.
This isn't just about the number on the scale anymore. It's about protecting your heart.
What Are GLP-1s?
GLP-1s (short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are a class of medications originally designed to help manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. But researchers quickly noticed something else: patients on these medications lost weight—and not just a little.
Over time, studies also started showing big heart health benefits:
Lower blood pressure
Lower inflammation
Better cholesterol levels
Reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes
What Did the New Guidelines Say?
In 2025, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) released new expert guidelines urging doctors to consider GLP-1s and a similar class called GIP/GLP-1 medications (like tirzepatide/Mounjaro) as part of routine care for adults with overweight or obesity, especially if they have:
A history of heart disease
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
A family history of early heart disease
The ACC officially recommends that doctors initiate these medications even before traditional complications show up—because of their power to help prevent cardiovascular problems in the first place.
Why This Is a Big Deal
For years, weight loss in medicine was often considered a “nice to have” but rarely prioritized unless it was extreme. These new guidelines shift that mindset, stating clearly: excess weight is a cardiovascular issue and deserves medical treatment.
And here’s the key: this isn’t about aesthetics. It’s about:
Preventing strokes and heart attacks
Lowering the risk of heart failure
Improving quality of life and longevity
That means that if you’ve struggled with weight—especially if you have other risk factors—you now have medically-backed options that do more than diet and exercise alone.
But Wait—Do I Still Need to Eat Well and Exercise?
Absolutely. These medications are tools, not shortcuts. They work best when paired with:
A nutritious, heart-friendly diet
Physical activity you enjoy
Support for stress, sleep, and mindset
In fact, the ACC guidelines emphasize that medication should be part of a comprehensive plan, not a solo act.
Is This Right for Me?
If you’ve been struggling with weight, have a family history of heart disease, or are dealing with blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar concerns, talk to your doctor. At our practice, we evaluate the whole picture—your risks, your goals, your history—and help you decide if GLP-1s or GIP/GLP-1s are the right fit.
Not every patient needs them, and not every patient will respond the same way. But the fact that the nation’s top heart experts are recommending these medications as frontline care tells us this: it's time to stop viewing weight as just a cosmetic concern—and start treating it like the powerful health factor it really is.
Final Thoughts
The science is clear: we now have tools that don’t just help people lose weight—they help them live longer, healthier lives.
If you’ve been told to “just try harder” or felt shame about your weight, you’re not alone. These new recommendations represent a compassionate, science-backed shift in how we approach weight and heart health—one that’s long overdue.
Let’s take your health seriously. If you’re interested in learning more, schedule a one-on-one consultation with our team. We’re here to help you find the right tools, not just for weight loss—but for whole-body wellness.
Read the Cardiology Guidelines HERE.
