Drugs originally developed to help people lose weight are likely to be recognized soon for another very significant side effect - slowing the ageing process.
New scientific studies suggest semaglutide, marketed under the names Ozempic and Wegovy, might help in more than losing weight. Early data suggest that these drugs can help in health and may slow biological aging because inflammation is reduced and organs are protected and older people are not at risk of disease.
Researchers stress that the evidence is still in its early stages and more long-term studies are needed. But the initial results have stimulated a lot of excitement among longevity and healthy aging researchers.
Beyond Weight Loss
GLP-1 receptor agonists, the class of drugs that include semaglutide, were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Later, they became very effective drugs for obesity after clinical trials showed significant and sustained weight loss.
But now scientists are finding other health benefits that go beyond losing weight. These drugs also appear to reduce heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and certain liver diseases. These larger improvements might be contributing to the body’s biological aging, researchers say.
Fighting Inflammation
One of the strongest theories is chronic inflammation and it is one of the main contributors to ageing and diseases like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and diabetes.
GLP-1 drugs lower inflammation across the body. Medications that control these unhealthy inflammatory reactions will help to preserve healthy tissue and minimize the wear and tear with age.
The researchers say reducing inflammation could make organs more efficient in serving longer, in order to extend the life span of good health.
Protecting the Heart and Brain
GLP-1 medications have also been shown to lower cardiovascular risk in people with obesity and diabetes. They are also being studied to help the brain to protect it from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease.
These neurological benefits are still to be studied, however, there is early laboratory and clinical evidence which is promising.
Not a Fountain of Youth
And even the optimistic experts say weight loss drugs are not anti-ageing miracles. They cannot slow aging down or substitute healthy habits of living.
Doctors continue to recommend regular physical activity, a healthy diet, good sleep, stress management, and not smoking as the most effective ways to promote healthy ageing.
The medications can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, digestive distress, and muscle loss if weight loss is not done quickly enough and if weight reduction is too fast. They should only be used under medical supervision.
More Research Ahead
Today, scientists are now in the midst of large-scale clinical trials to determine whether GLP-1 medications actually slow biological aging or simply reduce diseases associated with obesity.
Researchers are particularly interested in measuring biological age using biomarkers rather than chronological age. If these early studies are valid, these medications could transform the treatment of age-related diseases and healthcare towards extending healthy lifespan rather than simply treating illness.
Still, experts say the evidence is promising but preliminary. Weight-loss drugs may eventually be part of the conversation around healthy ageing but they are prescription drugs for treating obesity and diabetes and not for general anti-ageing therapies.
As research continues, the next few years may determine if these pioneering medications can really help people not only live longer, but also enjoy healthier lives as they get older.
