Medical and Surgical Obesity Treatments and Atherosclerosis: Mechanisms beyond Typical Risk Factors

Purpose of review This study aims to discuss the mechanisms by which GLP-1 agonists and bariatric surgery improve cardiovascular outcomes in severely obese patients. Recent findings Recent studies have demonstrated that both GLP-1 agonist use and bariatric surgery reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Improvements in traditional atherosclerosis risk factors in association with weight loss likely contribute, but weight loss–independent mechanisms are also suggested to have roles. Summary We review the clinical and preclinical evidence base for cardiovascular benefit of LP-1 agonists and bariatric surgery beyond traditional risk factors, including improvements in endothelial function, direct impacts on atherosclerotic plaques, and anti-inflammatory effects.