GLP-1 drugs containing semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) have exploded in popularity for their diabetes and weight-loss benefits, including their ability to curb appetites. In fact, 30% of American adults are predicted to have tried these drugs by the year 2030, according to The New England Consulting Group. As their use increases, so do the findings about the power of these drugs beyond the fight to end obesity. And now, researchers believe that taking Ozempic and Wegovy may help with anti-aging.
Mounting evidence suggests GLP-1 medications may help combat age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s, osteoarthritis, and even some cancers, according to a new report by the Wall Street Journal. While these are still theories that need to be tested with long-term studies, here's what you need to know.
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How GLP-1s Could Influence Longevity
Given their recently discovered benefits beyond helping to treat diabetes and weight loss—including Wegovy's ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, and Ozempic's perk of helping treat kidney disease—GLP-1 drugs are being studied by longevity experts to see what else they're capable of.
Overall, scientists are finding a link between semaglutide and the apparent reduction of inflammation in the body, which can help reduce the risk of several age-related diseases.
For instance, according to the WSJ, one study found that semaglutide provided cardiovascular benefits to those with heart disease.
Another study found that older patients with Type 2 diabetes who took semaglutide had a 40% to 70% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s over three years compared to those on other diabetes medications.
Chronic inflammation, as you may be aware, accelerates biological aging and has been linked to everything from wrinkles to brain fog, cancer, osteoarthritis, and more. If scientists can find a positive link between semaglutide and a decrease in inflammation, the potential uses of the drug may become even more widespread.
Of course, there are several factors at play here. As experts noted, semaglutide's appetite-suppressing effects may have patients eating less food overall while also choosing healthier options, which could contribute to the health benefits above.
And, long-term studies on healthy people need to be done in order to draw more specific conclusions about semaglutide's anti-aging effects.
Still, the scientific community seems to be excited about discovering new potential benefits to weight-loss drugs in the areas of longevity and helping to treat age-related diseases.
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What This Means for You
Since more research is needed, you shouldn't think of Ozempic or Wegovy as anti-aging solutions just yet.
Some companies, like telemedicine provider AgelessRx, are already marketing GLP-1 drugs for longevity via microdosing, the WSJ reports. However, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic or Wegovy, warns against this off-label use, citing safety concerns.
What's more, the unsavory side effects of taking these drugs have been widely reported. Concerning signs of muscle loss, nausea, constipation, heart rate changes, and other symptoms are a drawback compared to more traditional methods of weight loss, such as exercise and healthy eating.
Muscle loss, in particular, is a side effect that can be particularly dangerous for older adults as it can lead to frailty and increased fall risk.
That said, if you think you'd be a good candidate for GLP-1 drugs for its approved uses, including type 2 diabetes and obesity treatment, talk to your doctor.
In the meantime, try practicing these healthy methods to live a long and healthy life and fight the signs of aging.
