Weight loss drugs show signs of slowing biological aging, scientists discover
Yahoo • • health
Key Points:
- A new study by the University of California at San Diego suggests that GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic may slow biological aging by reprogramming cells to enhance immune health and reduce inflammation.
- The 32-week study involving over 100 adults with HIV and related conditions found that GLP-1s slowed biological aging in 42% of participants with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.
- GLP-1 drugs help reduce excess fat that causes inflammation, which is linked to accelerated cell aging and increased risk of chronic diseases, potentially explaining their anti-aging effects.
- Researchers emphasize that GLP-1s do not reverse aging but may slow some biological aging processes, and they plan larger trials to confirm these findings and explore combined effects with lifestyle factors.
- The study highlights the potential for GLP-1 therapies to improve healthspan not only in people with HIV but also in the general population, with future research aimed at identifying which patients benefit most.