The study on semaglutide, an active ingredient in drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, suggests that it may extend lifespan and mitigate aging effects in older mice. Researchers at UC Berkeley compared semaglutide to calorie restriction, a known method for increasing lifespan, and found that the drug replicated many anti-aging benefits while also exceeding them in some areas.
Specifically, semaglutide not only improved muscle and cognitive function in 20-month-old female mice but also extended their median lifespan by nearly 100 days compared to untreated mice. Notably, effects appeared independent of reduced calorie intake, as the drug enhanced exploratory behavior and spatial memory, unlike calorie-restricted mice whose metabolism slowed.
The implications of these findings could pave the way for new longevity research, although clinical trials are necessary to determine if human aging and lifespan can be similarly affected. Future studies may explore its effects on healthy older adults, expanding potential applications beyond those with obesity or diabetes.
