Semaglutide, a drug commonly prescribed for Type 2 diabetes and obesity, might also have significant effects on the aging process, according to recent research. Prof. Harlan Krumholz from the Yale School of Medicine has highlighted the broader benefits of semaglutide, known commercially as Ozempic, following the release of several new studies.
The recent studies suggest that semaglutide could be effective in managing a variety of conditions related to heart failure, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer. Prof. Krumholz noted, “It wouldn’t surprise me that improving people’s health this way actually slows down the ageing process.” He shared this insight during the European Society of Cardiology Conference 2024, where these findings were presented.
Published in multiple medical journals, including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), which Prof. Krumholz edits, the research underscores the drug’s transformative potential. Prof. Krumholz emphasized, “These ground-breaking medications are poised to revolutionise cardiovascular care and could dramatically enhance cardiovascular health.”
The studies, conducted as part of the Select trial, involved over 17,600 participants aged 45 and older. These individuals were either given 2.4 mg of semaglutide or a placebo over a period of more than three years. All participants were either obese or overweight and had cardiovascular disease but no diabetes.
The results revealed that those using semaglutide experienced a lower mortality rate from various causes, including cardiovascular issues and Covid-19. Specifically, the mortality rate from Covid-19 was 2.6% for those on semaglutide, compared to 3.1% for those receiving the placebo. This indicates that while the drug did not reduce the likelihood of contracting Covid-19, it did seem to improve survival rates.
Additionally, the drug demonstrated benefits across genders. While women experienced fewer major adverse cardiovascular events, semaglutide “consistently reduced the risk” of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in both men and women. The medication also alleviated heart failure symptoms and lowered inflammation levels, regardless of whether participants lost weight.
Dr. Benjamin Scirica, lead author of one of the studies and a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Harvard Medical School, noted, “The findings reinforce that overweight and obesity increases the risk of death due to many etiologies.” He further stated that these risks “can be modified with potent incretin-based therapies like semaglutide.”
Semaglutide is available as a prescription drug on the NHS, marketed under the brand names Wegovy for obesity and Ozempic for diabetes. It is administered via injection and functions by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps users feel fuller and less hungry.
Despite its potential benefits, experts caution that semaglutide should not be seen as a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is important that the medication be used under medical supervision, as it can cause side effects including nausea, upset stomach, bloating, and gas.
The research into semaglutide’s broader health impacts highlights its promising role not just in managing diabetes and obesity but also in potentially slowing the aging process and improving overall health.
