A study published in the journal Nature two weeks ago suggests that semaglutide, the active drug in the popular weight-loss injection Wegovy, could play a role in extending lifespan. The research demonstrated that semaglutide significantly prolonged the lives of old female mice.
In the study, forty mice received daily injections of semaglutide. For comparison, thirty-nine other mice were given salt-water injections. The mice treated with semaglutide lived, on average, 92 days longer than the control group. This finding has sparked discussion about the potential broader implications for human longevity, beyond its established use for weight management and diabetes.
Professor Rob Galloway, writing for the Daily Mail, cited this research and his experiences with patients to highlight the distinction between merely living longer and living well. He suggests that medications like Wegovy could offer benefits to a wider population by potentially improving healthspan alongside lifespan.