Ozempic, weight loss drugs may also be longevity drugs, early research suggests

A theory that GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Zepbound, might help people live longer has circulated among biohackers and aging researchers for years. Online pharmacies already offer compounded versions of these drugs, marketed to extend health span. However, academic research testing this hypothesis has been limited until recently.

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provided us an opportunity to say, hey, is there any signal here that warrants all the hype?

One of the first studies to investigate this idea was published last month. It indicated that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, appeared to slow biological aging in individuals with HIV and lipohypertrophy, based on blood tests measuring age-related biomarkers. Michael Corley, the study's lead and an associate professor at UC San Diego’s Stein Institute for Research on Aging, noted that people with HIV experience accelerated aging, making them a suitable group for such research. The trial aimed to determine if there was a signal warranting the existing "hype."

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GLP-1 agonists decrease the incidence of diseases that are related to ageingand are associated with decreasing lifespan. One would assume that they’re also potentially going to increase lifespan and be beneficial for longevity.

The "hype" is fueled by substantial evidence. GLP-1s are known to enhance metabolic health by regulating insulin and blood sugar, and aiding weight loss. Studies also show benefits for cardiovascular, liver, and kidney health. Given their protective effects against conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, leading causes of death, some experts already consider GLP-1s "longevity drugs." Dr. Nicolas Musi, director of the Diabetes and Aging Center at Cedars-Sinai, stated that GLP-1 agonists reduce the incidence of age-related diseases that shorten lifespan, suggesting they could potentially increase longevity.

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Many of these pathways that are modulated by diabetes drugs are also central pathways that control ageing and longevity.

Furthermore, GLP-1s seem to influence cellular health, a key factor in aging. Dr. Thomas Blackwell, a professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch, explained that these drugs have significant anti-inflammatory effects, and inflammation is known to accelerate aging. Since metabolic health and aging are closely linked, drugs affecting metabolic pathways may also impact the aging process. However, researchers emphasize that extensive data on whether these drugs actually increase human lifespan is still scarce.

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We know they have a significant anti-inflammatory effect, and we know inflammation is one of the things that accelerates aging.