Ozempic: New Study Shows Weight-Loss Drug Might Slow Ageing

A new study hints that a weight-loss injection could do more than just help shed pounds—it might also have anti-ageing effects, offering benefits that go beyond what experts had expected. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in the drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, has been linked to a lower risk of death in overweight individuals with cardiovascular conditions, according to multiple studies. While Wegovy is available through the NHS for weight loss under certain guidelines, Ozempic is currently approved for treating type 2 diabetes, despite both medications containing semaglutide.

The findings, published in the American College of Cardiology's leading journal, JACC, suggest that semaglutide could provide "far-reaching benefits beyond our initial expectations." Professor Harlan M. Krumholz from Yale School of Medicine, who has been frequently quoted, poses the question: "Could this be a modern-day fountain of youth?”

He commented, "I would say if you're improving someone's cardiometabolic health substantially, then you are putting them in a position to live longer and better. It's not just avoiding heart attacks. These are health promoters. It wouldn't surprise me that improving people's health this way actually slows down the ageing process.”

Researchers discovered that individuals who took semaglutide had a lower overall mortality rate, including deaths from cardiovascular issues and COVID-19. Additionally, the drug was found to alleviate symptoms of heart failure. The study monitored 17,604 participants, all aged 45 or older, who were overweight, had established cardiovascular disease but did not have diabetes. They were observed over a period of more than three years.

During the study, 833 participants passed away, with 58% of the deaths attributed to cardiovascular causes and 42% to other causes. Among non-cardiovascular deaths, infections were the most common, but these occurred less frequently in the group receiving semaglutide compared to those given a placebo. Wegovy, which is administered via injection, is available through the NHS but is restricted to specialized weight management programs.