Semaglutide, a weight-loss drug sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, may offer more than just a solution for weight management. New research suggests that the drug could also slow down the biological aging process, with studies revealing its potential to reduce inflammation—a key factor linked to aging—regardless of whether users experienced weight loss.
These findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology conference, where experts highlighted that semaglutide, initially developed as a diabetes treatment, has a broader range of benefits, including reducing inflammation in the body. Harlan Krumholz, a professor of medicine at Yale University and editor of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, stated that the drug appears to be “quieting inflammation” and that its benefits were “broad,” affecting a wide range of individuals.
Krumholz emphasized that improving cardiometabolic health through the use of semaglutide could contribute to longer and healthier lives, going beyond just preventing heart attacks. “These are health promoters,” he said, suggesting that the drug’s impact on overall well-being might help slow the aging process itself.
The studies presented at the conference were part of the extensive Select trial, which followed 17,604 adults aged 45 and older for up to five years. Participants, who were overweight or obese with cardiovascular disease but no diabetes history, received weekly injections of either 2.4 mg of semaglutide or a placebo. According to the results, those who took semaglutide had a lower overall mortality rate compared to those who received the placebo.
Semaglutide has garnered attention for its effectiveness in reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events. In a previous announcement, the drug’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, reported that the medication reduced the risk of such events by 20% in obese or overweight adults in the trial. Semaglutide works by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite, helping users feel fuller longer.
Despite its promising benefits, semaglutide is not without risks. The drug can cause severe side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Health experts have cautioned against using the drug without proper medical supervision, as complications like pancreatitis and dangerous changes in blood salt levels can occur, particularly when the drug is purchased online without a prescription.
Vicky Price, president-elect of the Society for Acute Medicine, and Stephen Powis, the NHS medical director, both warned against the misuse of semaglutide, particularly as a “quick fix” for weight loss or cosmetic goals. Powis stressed the importance of using such medications responsibly, stating, “These new drugs will be a powerful part of our arsenal in dealing with obesity, but they should not be abused.”
As the popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic continues to rise, researchers and healthcare professionals alike are urging caution while acknowledging the potential health benefits of drugs like semaglutide.
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