Recent research from the University of California, Berkeley suggests that GLP-1 drugs might offer benefits beyond treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. An animal study indicated that these drugs could potentially extend lifespan. The study, published in Nature on September 2, explored the effects of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, on female mice, showing that it prolonged their lifespan by diminishing aging’s adverse effects.
Danica Chen, a study author and professor of metabolic biology at Berkeley, remarked to Newsweek that these findings could expand the use of GLP-1 medicines to healthy individuals aiming to slow aging and increase lifespan. Commonly recognized as the weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, GLP-1s function by reducing thoughts about eating and mimicking a hormone that induces satiety and slows digestion. They are popular for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, with data from Statista indicating that as of March 2026, one in eight Americans was using them. Their rise correlates with a drop in U.S. obesity rates, though experts advise that various factors contribute to this trend.
Study Details
In the study, researchers injected 20-month-old female mice with semaglutide daily. The treated mice lived an average of 834 days, compared to 742 days for the control group. They also experienced a 24% reduction in appetite, lower body and tissue weight. Chen noted that the GLP-1 treatment enhanced physiological function, mitigated aging markers, and influenced nutrient sensors and genetic regulators linked to aging.
Despite this, independent experts found the results unsurprising. Richard DiMarchi, a chemistry professor at Indiana University not involved in the study, expressed that the findings align with previous expectations. He cautioned that while peptide therapeutics are gaining interest, clinical validation is crucial and that human applications are complex due to differences in genetic makeup. Safety is paramount, especially for promoting longevity in otherwise healthy people.
Randy Seeley, a professor at the University of Michigan, mentioned past data indicating that these drugs reduce all-cause mortality and might thereby extend lifespan. He emphasized the importance of cardiovascular health, noting initial concerns about increased heart rate with GLP-1 agonists. However, their consistent reduction of cardiovascular risk across various populations supports their benefits beyond weight loss.
Broader Implications for GLP-1 Drugs
Chen suggested that semaglutide’s life-extending effects in mice might partly arise from calorie reduction, though other factors need further research. Seeley proposed examining the drugs’ impact on cardiovascular health, noting benefits beyond weight loss. Research also hints that GLP-1s have ‘anti-inflammatory’ effects, though the mechanisms remain unclear. Does it involve direct action on immune cells, changes in metabolic fuel use, or brain regulation of immune function? The field is still uncovering these answers.
Reference: Feng, Y., Barthez, M., Wang, Y., et al. (2026). Late-life semaglutide treatment slows aging and extends lifespan in female mice. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10940-7
Contact Newsweek editors: Kara Dolman and James Debens
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