Researchers from the University of California San Diego and collaborating institutions found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, may slow biological aging markers in adults with HIV.

Published in Nature Communications, the study is the first to provide randomized, placebo-controlled evidence that semaglutide could influence human aging.The trial involved 108 adults with HIV-associated lipohypertrophy, with half receiving weekly semaglutide injections and the rest a placebo.

Epigenetic clocks, which measure DNA methylation patterns, revealed that semaglutide slowed aging across multiple biological systems, including inflammation, metabolism, and organ health.A 9% slower aging rate was observed using the DunedinPACE clock, while the PCGrimAge clock showed reduced risks of age-related diseases.While the findings are promising, scientists caution that larger studies are needed to confirm these effects.

The study also highlights potential broader implications for aging research, suggesting that GLP-1 drugs might reprogram cells and improve healthspan.

Additional pilot studies and future trials aim to explore how these medications interact with lifestyle factors like diet and exercise to combat aging.