New studies suggest that the popular weight-loss drug semaglutide, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy, may help reduce inflammation and slow the biological aging process
The viral weight-loss drug semaglutide, which is marketed under the names Ozempic and Wegovy, could play a role in slowing down the biological aging process, according to recent findings. Researchers presented several studies at the European Society of Cardiology conference, suggesting that the drug might provide benefits beyond weight loss by significantly reducing inflammation—a key factor in aging and many chronic diseases.
Semaglutide, initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, has gained widespread attention for its dramatic impact on weight loss. However, new data indicates that its anti-inflammatory properties could also be crucial in promoting overall health and longevity, regardless of whether the user loses weight.
Key findings on inflammation reduction
Harlan Krumholz, a professor of medicine at Yale University and editor of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, where the studies were published, pointed to semaglutide’s unexpected benefit in reducing inflammation across various groups. According to Krumholz, the drug was "somehow reducing inflammation" and provided broad benefits to nearly everyone who took it. He emphasized that improving cardiometabolic health with the drug might extend life expectancy and enhance quality of life.
Krumholz speculated whether the drug could be considered a "fountain of youth," suggesting that by significantly improving a person's cardiometabolic health, it could potentially help them live longer and improve their quality of life. He suggested that reducing the risk of conditions like heart attacks through semaglutide would likely lead to longer, healthier lives, which is why many believe the drug could contribute to slowing the aging process.
The reduction of inflammation seen with semaglutide could have much broader implications. Experts at the European Society of Cardiology conference proposed that the drug might be used to treat a variety of inflammation-linked conditions, such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Inflammation plays a central role in many degenerative diseases, and treatments that target this aspect could revolutionize how we approach these conditions.
Researchers involved in the studies expressed optimism that these drugs could serve as health promoters, potentially lowering the risk of developing age-related diseases. However, they emphasized that while the initial results are promising, more studies are necessary to understand the full range of benefits and potential risks.
The findings were part of the larger Select trial, which monitored 17,604 adults aged 45 and older over the course of five years. Participants were given weekly injections of 2.4 mg of semaglutide or a placebo. Crucially, all participants in the study were either overweight or obese and had cardiovascular disease, but none had a history of diabetes.
The Select trial revealed that participants who took semaglutide experienced a reduced mortality rate from all causes. Additionally, in a previous announcement made by Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company behind Ozempic and Wegovy, the company highlighted that the drug reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by 20% in overweight or obese adults.
How semaglutide works
Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone known as GLP-1, which is produced by the gut. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and creating a feeling of fullness after eating, making it a useful tool for weight management. By reducing hunger and stabilizing glucose levels, the drug can help patients achieve sustained weight loss.
Given its initial success as a diabetes treatment, semaglutide’s ability to reduce cardiovascular risk and potentially slow the aging process opens up new avenues for research into drugs that target metabolic health.
Despite the promising findings, experts warn that semaglutide is not without its risks. Like many powerful medications, it comes with side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. In some cases, more severe complications have been reported, such as inflammation of the pancreas and imbalances in blood salt levels.
Vicky Price, an acute physician and president-elect of the Society for Acute Medicine, cautioned against the use of weight-loss drugs link Ozempic and Wegovy without medical supervision, especially when purchased online. She emphasized the potential dangers of serious, life-threatening complications like pancreatitis.
Similarly, Stephen Powis, the medical director of NHS England, echoed these concerns, advising people not to view these drugs as a "quick fix" for weight loss. He emphasized that new weight-loss drugs link Ozempic would play a significant role in combating obesity but cautioned against misuse. He warned that purchasing such medications online without proper medical oversight could result in severe complications and dangerous consequences.
While these drugs hold significant promise for improving metabolic health and potentially slowing aging, experts emphasize the need for controlled, medically supervised use. The potential misuse of these medications as quick fixes for aesthetic goals could overshadow their real health benefits. Public health officials are now focused on ensuring that these drugs are used responsibly and for the right medical reasons.
As the scientific community continues to investigate semaglutide’s potential, it seems clear that the drug could become a key tool not only for weight loss but also for promoting long-term health and slowing age-related decline.
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