Weight-loss drugs linked to slower ageing
Research suggests unexpected benefit to medications – but you should be aware of side-effects.
Popular weight-loss drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, may slow down biological ageing in some people, according to new research.
The medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists have attracted enormous attention for their effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Researchers are now asking: could these drugs also slow the biological processes associated with ageing?
The excitement stems from recent research presented by pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which found that people taking GLP-1 drugs appeared to have improvements in measures of biological age compared with those receiving a placebo.
Biological age is not the same as chronological age. Rather than counting the years since birth, it attempts to measure how well the body's cells and tissues are functioning by examining biomarkers such as DNA changes and protein levels.
According to the researchers, some participants showed biological-age improvements equivalent to around two to three years.
Scientists caution, however, that these findings are still emerging. The results were presented at a conference focused on ageing research, and experts stress that more studies are needed to determine whether the drugs genuinely slow ageing or whether the effects are largely driven by improvements in weight, blood sugar levels, inflammation, and cardiovascular health.
As Harvard researcher Vadim Gladyshev, noted, the evidence is most compelling in people with obesity or metabolic disease, while the impact in otherwise healthy individuals remains unclear.
A separate study published in Nature Communications found that semaglutide influenced biomarkers linked to biological ageing in adults living with HIV.
Researchers reported improvements in several epigenetic “ageing clocks”, tools that estimate biological age by analysing DNA methylation patterns.
While promising, the authors emphasised that the study does not prove the drug (semaglutide) reverses ageing or extends lifespan.
For older Australians, the broader health benefits of GLP-1 medicines may be just as significant as any potential anti-ageing effect.
Previous studies have shown these drugs can help people lose weight, improve blood glucose control, and reduce the risk of some cardiovascular complications.
Researchers believe these benefits may contribute to healthier ageing by reducing the burden of chronic disease.
However, GLP-1 medicines are not suitable for everyone and can cause side effects.
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) notes that these medicines can delay stomach emptying, which may increase the risk of complications during anaesthesia or deep sedation.
The TGA has also updated product information to highlight reports of mood changes, including suicidal thoughts or behaviour, and has issued warnings about a rare but serious eye condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, which can cause vision loss.
Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort.
Because these medicines affect many different body systems and may interact with other health conditions or medications, treatment should always be prescribed and monitored by a GP or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Related reading: TGA, MIT, Nature, Science Daily, NY Post
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a registered healthcare professional about any health concerns or before making any changes to your medication, diet, or exercise routine.
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