New Research Suggests Popular Weight-Loss Drug Ozempic May Slow Biological Aging

Recent studies have revealed that semaglutide, a popular weight-loss drug marketed under the names Ozempic and Wegovy, may have benefits beyond shedding pounds. According to researchers, semaglutide could also play a role in slowing down the biological aging process, a revelation that could potentially revolutionize how we view and treat age-related diseases.

A Surprising Discovery

Ozempic, initially developed and marketed as a diabetes treatment, has gained attention for its effectiveness in weight loss. However, a series of studies presented at the European Society of Cardiology conference on Friday have unveiled an unexpected benefit of the drug: its potential to reduce inflammation in the body, regardless of weight loss.

The research, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, indicates that semaglutide’s anti-inflammatory properties might contribute to slowing down aging. Harlan Krumholz, a professor of medicine at Yale University and the journal’s editor, noted that the drug seems to be “somehow quieting inflammation.” He added, “The benefit is broad; there’s not a group that doesn’t seem to be benefiting.”

Krumholz further elaborated on the drug’s potential, stating, “Is it a fountain of youth? I would say if you’re improving someone’s cardiometabolic health substantially, then you are putting them in a position to live longer and better.” He emphasized that semaglutide could be more than just a treatment for weight loss or diabetes: “It’s not just about avoiding heart attacks. These are health promoters. It wouldn’t surprise me that improving people’s health this way actually slows down the aging process.”

Expanding the Use of Semaglutide

Experts have suggested that semaglutide could potentially be used to treat various conditions linked to inflammation, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Inflammation is known to play a significant role in the progression of these conditions, and the anti-inflammatory effects of semaglutide might offer a new therapeutic avenue.

The findings presented at the conference were part of the Select trial, a comprehensive study that tracked 17,604 adults aged 45 years or older over five years. Participants, who were either overweight or obese and had cardiovascular disease but no history of diabetes, were given a weekly injection of 2.4 mg of semaglutide or a placebo. The study revealed that those who received semaglutide had a lower rate of death from all causes, according to a report by the BBC.

The Science Behind Semaglutide

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy. It mimics GLP-1, a hormone produced in the gut that helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can lead to reduced food intake. The drug’s ability to manage blood sugar levels effectively has been a critical factor in its use as a diabetes treatment. However, the discovery that it can reduce inflammation, regardless of weight loss, opens up new possibilities for its use in other medical conditions.

In August of last year, Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Ozempic and Wegovy, announced preliminary results from the Select trial. The company reported that semaglutide 2.4 mg reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% in overweight or obese adults.

Potential Risks and Concerns

Despite its promising benefits, semaglutide and other weight-loss drugs are not without risks. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. More severe risks, as highlighted by medical professionals, include inflammation of the pancreas, also known as pancreatitis, and changes in blood salt levels, which can lead to life-threatening complications.

Dr. Vicky Price, an acute physician and president-elect of the Society for Acute Medicine, has previously warned about the dangers of purchasing and using weight-loss drugs without medical supervision. “Some of the more dangerous potential side effects of weight-loss drugs bought online included serious, life-threatening complications,” she said.

Warnings Against Misuse

The medical community is cautioning against the misuse of these drugs, especially for non-medical reasons like achieving a quick weight loss. Stephen Powis, the medical director of the National Health Service (NHS) in England, warned people against using such drugs as a “quick fix” to get “beach body ready.” He stated, “We know these new drugs will be a powerful part of our arsenal dealing with obesity, but they should not be abused. Buying medication online without a doctor’s supervision can lead to complications and dangerous consequences.”

The Future of Semaglutide in Medicine

While the findings on semaglutide’s potential anti-aging effects are promising, experts emphasize the need for further research to fully understand its impact on aging and its possible therapeutic applications beyond weight loss and diabetes. The recent studies underscore the growing recognition of the drug’s broader health benefits, but they also highlight the importance of using it responsibly under medical guidance.

As research continues, semaglutide could become a valuable tool in combating not only obesity and diabetes but also age-related diseases. For now, medical professionals urge caution, emphasizing that while the drug may hold the promise of slowing biological aging, it is not without its risks.