Popular weight loss drug may slow down biological aging: Study
(NewsNation) — A commonly prescribed GLP-1 drug may do more than improve metabolic health, new research suggests.
Semaglutide – sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy – has already been associated with reduced risks for several health conditions. Now researchers say it may also slow biological aging.
The study included 108 adults with HIV-associated lipohypertrophy, a condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation around the abdomen. For 32 weeks, participants were given weekly injections of semaglutide or a placebo.
Rather than focusing on weight or blood sugar, researchers used tools known as epigenetic clocks that predict the body’s biological aging by analyzing DNA methylation patterns.
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Accordingly UC San Diego School of MedicinePeople living with HIV often experience accelerated aging due to chronic inflammation and persistent immune system activation.
Lead author Dr. Semaglutide eliminates these effects, Michael Corley said.
Participants taking semaglutide showed slower aging patterns in several epigenetic clocks linked to inflammation and major organ systems, including the heart, brain, kidneys, liver, and metabolic system.
The rate of biological aging slowed by approximately 9% according to the DunedinPACE epigenetic clock. Measurements from the PCGrimAge clock also showed a reduction in processes linked to age-related diseases and overall risk of death.
Although the study focused on people with HIV-associated lipohypertrophy, the findings may have broader implications for the general population, the researchers said.
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