New report on potential Ozempic benefits. According to recent studies it could slow down biological aging.

October 24, 2024

Recent studies highlight potential benefits of Ozempic which could soon be available on the NHS.

Recent studies presented at the European Society of Cardiology conference have sparked significant interest in semaglutide, the drug marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy, for its potential to extend beyond weight loss and treat a range of conditions associated with ageing and inflammation. Experts now suggest that the drug could “slow down the clock” on biological aging due to its ability to treat multiple underlying health issues.

Key Findings from the Studies:

Inflammation Reduction: Semaglutide has been found to reduce levels of inflammation in the body, regardless of weight loss. This is significant because chronic inflammation is linked to numerous diseases associated with ageing, including cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Wider Health Benefits: Researchers from Yale and Harvard presented findings showing that semaglutide can:

• Reverse kidney disease.
• Prevent heart failure.
• Reduce high blood pressure that was previously considered untreatable.
• Lower the risk of death from COVID-19 by one-third.
• Cut deaths from heart attacks and strokes by 20%.

Longevity and Health Span: Harlan Krumholz, a professor of medicine at Yale University, highlighted the potential of semaglutide to improve cardiometabolic health, suggesting that by reducing the risks of major diseases, the drug might effectively slow the biological ageing process and enhance both the quality and length of life

Multi-Purpose Drug: Experts at the conference pointed out that the evidence indicates semaglutide could be used as a “multi-purpose drug,” protecting against a broad range of health threats beyond just its initial purpose for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Side Effects and Risks:

While the benefits of semaglutide are promising, the drug does come with significant risks:

• Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Some users experience severe nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Pancreatitis Risk: Studies have linked semaglutide to a ninefold increase in the risk of pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
• Stomach Paralysis: There is a fourfold increase in the risk of stomach paralysis, which can lead to severe digestive issues.

Costs and Accessibility:

At around £200 per month, the cost of semaglutide remains a barrier for some patients, especially considering that not all individuals respond to the treatment in the same way. While it shows broad potential, its side effects and cost may limit its widespread use until more personalisd approaches or cheaper alternatives are developed.

It is the first weight-loss drug approved in the UK as a preventative treatment for those with “established cardiovascular disease”, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said, paving the way for these drugs to be used more like statins to prevent disease.

The approval is the first step towards semaglutide being available on the NHS, and the drug could be available via the health service for those with cardiovascular disease if the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) also recommends its use.

Learn about Natural Alternatives to Ozempic