Semaglutide was originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes by mimicking the hormone GLP-1. This hormone regulates blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and reducing glucose production in the liver. The drug gained popularity for its weight-loss effects. Ozempic and Wegovy both containing semaglutide was used as weight-loss medications with Wegovy being approved by the NHS for certain patients with a high BMI.
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Studies including the Select trial focused on 17,604 participants aged 45 or older who were overweight or obese and had established cardiovascular disease but no diabetes. The participants were tracked over a period of more than three years.
The research found that semaglutide helped in reducing weight and also cut the risk of death from all causes including cardiovascular events and COVID-19. Those on semaglutide had a lower mortality rate compared to those on a placebo.
Semaglutide was also found to improve symptoms of heart failure and reduce inflammation in the body, irrespective of whether the participants lost weight. This suggests that the drug’s benefits is beyond just weight loss and may help in managing various inflammatory conditions.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist originally designed to regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It functions by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone produced in the gut, which helps balance blood sugar and induces a feeling of fullness leading to reduced calorie intake and weight loss.
Commercially available under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, semaglutide has become a popular weight-loss drug among individuals who are overweight or obese.
Studies presented at the European Society of Cardiology Conference in London have showed semaglutide’s effects beyond weight loss.
Improved cardiometabolic health is strongly linked to increased longevity and a better quality of life. This potential fountain of youth effect is rooted in the drug’s ability to reduce risks associated with cardiovascular diseases.
The Select trial, a study involving 17,604 participants aged 45 years or older provided data on semaglutide’s efficacy and safety. Participants were either overweight or obese and had established cardiovascular disease but no history of diabetes.
Over a period of up to five years, participants received a weekly injection of 2.4 mg of semaglutide or a placebo.
The Select trial found that semaglutide reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% in overweight or obese adults.
Additionally participants who took semaglutide had a lower mortality rate from all causes, not just cardiovascular-related deaths. Researchers were surprised by the drug’s impact on non-cardiovascular deaths especially those caused by infections.
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Chronic inflammation is a well-known driver of aging and age-related diseases including cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. The reduction of inflammation by semaglutide, regardless of weight loss, points to its potential in treating a range of inflammatory conditions.
Experts have suggested that semaglutide’s anti-inflammatory properties could make it a valuable treatment for diseases beyond obesity.
The idea that improving cardiometabolic health can slow the ageing process is rooted in the understanding that many age-related diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s and arthritis, are linked to poor metabolic health.
The Select trial revealed a reduction in non-cardiovascular deaths among those taking semaglutide. Infection-related deaths, which surged during the COVID-19 pandemic were lower in the semaglutide group compared to the placebo group.
Although semaglutide did not prevent COVID-19 infections, it reduced the mortality rate from the virus, acting almost like a secondary protective measure.
The studies also suggest that semaglutide could be effective in treating a range of other conditions including kidney disease, high blood pressure, arthritis and even certain types of cancer.
As with any medication, semaglutide is not without its risks. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal issues such as bloating and gas. These side effects are usually mild but can be severe in some cases.
More concerning are the severe side effects including a huge increase in the risk of pancreatitis and stomach paralysis, a condition that can be life-threatening. Therefore it is crucial that semaglutide is used under strict medical supervision.
Given the risks healthcare providers stress the importance of using semaglutide as part of a treatment plan that includes diet and exercise, rather than as a standalone solution for weight loss or ageing.
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