Key points from article :
A series of new studies suggest that semaglutide — best known by its brand name Ozempic — may offer benefits far beyond its current use in treating Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Presented at the European Society of Cardiology Conference 2024 and published in journals including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the findings indicate the drug could help tackle conditions linked to ageing, such as heart failure, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and even some cancers. Professor Harlan Krumholz of Yale School of Medicine said these effects could, in turn, slow the ageing process.
The research, part of the large-scale Select trial funded by Novo Nordisk, followed more than 17,600 participants over three years. All were overweight or obese, aged 45 or older, and had cardiovascular disease but not diabetes. Participants received either 2.4 mg of semaglutide or a placebo. Those on semaglutide had lower death rates from all causes, including cardiovascular disease and Covid-19, despite being equally likely to catch the virus.
Women experienced fewer major cardiovascular events, though benefits were seen across both sexes. The drug improved heart failure symptoms and reduced inflammation even in people who did not lose weight, reinforcing the idea that semaglutide’s effects go beyond weight reduction. Lead author Dr Benjamin Scirica of Harvard Medical School highlighted that obesity increases the risk of death from many causes, but this risk can be reduced with potent incretin-based therapies.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 to suppress appetite and promote satiety. While available on the NHS under the names Wegovy (for obesity) and Ozempic (for diabetes), experts stress it is not a substitute for healthy diet and exercise, and should only be prescribed under medical supervision due to potential side effects, including nausea, bloating, and digestive discomfort.
