Recent research suggests that GLP-1 drugs, known for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, might also extend life span. A study from the University of California, Berkeley, indicates semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, could prolong life span by mitigating aging effects. Published in Nature on September 2, the research focuses on female mice.

Study author Danica Chen, a University of California at Berkeley professor, shared with Newsweek that these findings could broaden GLP-1 usage to healthy aging individuals. Ozempic and Wegovy, common GLP-1s, reduce appetite by promoting fullness and slowing digestion. These drugs have gained popularity for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. By March 2026, one in eight Americans used them, per Statista data. There’s also a noted decline in U.S. obesity rates, though experts highlight multiple influencing factors.

Study Findings

Researchers treated 20-month-old female mice with daily semaglutide injections. As a result, the median life span increased from 742 days to 834 days. The treatment prompted a 24% appetite reduction, decreased body and tissue weight. According to Chen, GLP-1 treatment enhanced physiological function, reduced aging indicators, and influenced nutrient sensors and aging-related genes.

Expert opinions show cautious optimism. Richard DiMarchi, an Indiana University chemistry professor, remarked that such findings align with expectations. However, he advises tempering enthusiasm given the preliminary nature of current peptide therapeutics.

DiMarchi highlights that translating these findings to humans is complex due to mice’s genetic uniformity. Safety is crucial for widespread use, particularly for promoting longevity among healthy people. Randy Seeley, University of Michigan professor, and a previous consultant for drug manufacturers, noted data showing these drugs reduce overall mortality, suggesting they may extend life span.

Longevity and GLP-1s

Chen suggests semaglutide may extend life partly by lowering calorie intake, yet other factors likely contribute. Further studies are warranted. Seeley speculates on their potential benefits on cardiovascular health. Although initially feared to raise cardiovascular risk, repeated studies with diverse GLP-1 agonists show reduced risks across various populations.

Weight loss isn’t the sole benefit. GLP-1s may also have anti-inflammatory properties, though the mechanisms remain unclear. Questions persist about whether they directly impact immune cells, shift metabolic fuel use, or involve brain regulation changes.

Feng, Y., Barthez, M., Wang, Y. et al. (2026). Late-life semaglutide treatment slows aging and extends life span in female mice. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10940-7

For further information, contact Newsweek editors Kara Dolman and James Debens.