Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
NIH-funded researchers studied the GLP-1 drug semaglutide to assess its effects on aging in older female mice. Mice treated daily for three months showed improved muscular and cognitive functions, coordination, balance, and endurance compared to controls. Semaglutide also reversed age-related changes in gene activity and was linked to a lifespan increase of about 100 days.
Comparing semaglutide with a 24% calorie-restricted diet over five months, both interventions helped prevent age-related physiological decline. This suggests semaglutide may slow aspects of aging beyond those from reduced calorie intake alone.
GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone from the small intestine that regulates blood sugar and suppresses appetite. Drugs that mimic GLP-1 are used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. Researchers have observed additional benefits of GLP-1 drugs, such as lower risks of cardiovascular, kidney, liver, and neurodegenerative diseases, which may not be solely explained by weight loss or improved blood sugar control.
The study, published in Nature on September 2, 2026, was led by Dr. Danica Chen at the University of California, Berkeley. It highlights potential pathways for developing treatments targeting age-related diseases by understanding mechanisms shared between calorie restriction and GLP-1 drugs.