A widely used prescription drug, semaglutide, may influence biological aging markers, according to a recent clinical study. The drug is the active ingredient in medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
Researchers examined whether semaglutide could affect biological aging in adults with HIV-associated lipohypertrophy. This condition is linked to abnormal fat distribution, especially around the abdomen.
The findings come from a randomized, placebo-controlled study that originally included 108 participants. However, the epigenetic analysis focused on 84 individuals with complete DNA data.
Study Focused on Epigenetic Clocks
Instead of measuring only weight or blood sugar, scientists studied biological age using epigenetic clocks. These tools track DNA methylation patterns that reflect how fast the body is aging at a molecular level.
The study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and analyzed data from a 32-week treatment period. Participants received weekly semaglutide injections or a placebo.
Researchers used multiple epigenetic clocks to evaluate changes in aging across different organs and systems. These included the brain, heart, liver, kidney, blood, and metabolic functions.
Slower Biological Aging Observed
The results showed that participants receiving semaglutide experienced slower biological aging signals. One key measure, the DunedinPACE clock, showed a 9 percent reduction in the pace of aging.
In addition, other aging-related markers linked to disease risk and overall mortality also improved. The PCGrimAge clock indicated reductions associated with lower long-term health risks.
However, researchers clearly stated that the findings do not prove reversal of aging. Instead, the results suggest a slowdown in biological aging patterns.
Possible Biological Mechanisms
Experts believe semaglutide may influence aging-related processes through several pathways. The drug appears to reduce inflammation and metabolic stress in the body.
It may also decrease visceral fat and fat deposits around internal organs. These changes are important because chronic inflammation and metabolic imbalance are linked to accelerated aging.
People living with HIV often experience faster biological aging even with effective treatment. Therefore, the study focused on a group already at higher risk of age-related changes.
Related Findings in Liver Disease Study
A separate pilot study also explored semaglutide’s effects in individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. This condition is also known as fatty liver disease.
In that study, 41 participants received treatment for 24 weeks. Around 41.5 percent showed slower biological aging on the DunedinPACE clock.
Researchers also observed reduced liver fat and improved physical performance indicators. Some early signals suggested potential links between biological age markers and mortality risk measures.
Early Evidence, Not Final Conclusions
Scientists emphasized that the results are still early and require further validation. The study focused mainly on a specific group of patients, so results may not apply to the general population.
Future research will need to test whether the effects continue over longer periods. Researchers also want to compare different GLP-1 drugs and their impact on aging biology.
Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and exercise may also influence outcomes. Scientists are now exploring whether these combined approaches could strengthen effects on biological aging.
Conclusion
The findings add to growing evidence that semaglutide may affect more than glucose control and weight loss. While it shows promising signals in slowing biological aging markers, experts stress that more large-scale studies are needed before drawing firm conclusions.
