Semaglutide, the active ingredient in revolutionary weight loss drugs like Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Ozempic, may also be the next big thing in antiaging!
A new study has found that semaglutide decelerates biological aging in people with HIV, sparking hope for broader longevity and antiaging benefits of the popular GLP-1.
The researchers tested whether once-weekly semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, slows biological aging measured by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation–based epigenetic clocks in adults with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-associated lipohypertrophy.
This study provides the first randomized clinical trial evidence that a GLP-1 receptor agonist can modulate epigenetic biomarkers of aging in this population. These results represent a post hoc, exploratory analysis of a previously completed randomized controlled trial.
Key Takeaways From This Study:
The researchers observed that semaglutide significantly slowed epigenetic aging across multiple independent measures relative to placebo.
- In adjusted models, PCGrimAge increased by 3.08 fewer “years per year” in the semaglutide group, indicating a notable deceleration in mortality-linked epigenetic aging.
- DunedinPACE declined by 0.09 units, consistent with a biologically meaningful reduction in the rate at which physiological systems accrue age-related changes.
- PhenoAge decreased by 4.90 years per year (p=0.004), and OMICmAge fell by 2.20 years per year (p=0.009), reinforcing a broad signal of age deceleration.
- Similar positive effects on aging were also measured using several “bio-clocks.”
- Semaglutide’s well-documented ability to provide substantial weight loss may account for these changes and its other antiaging benefits.
The researchers ultimately concluded, “It remains unknown whether these results will generalize to people without HIV or without lipohypertrophy, and the findings should be considered preliminary pending further peer review and clinical outcome studies.”
You can read the complete study titled Semaglutide Slows Epigenetic Aging in People with HIV-associated lipohypertrophy: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial, by clicking on the link.