A new study on mice suggests that GLP-1 drugs, such as semaglutide found in medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, may improve health and extend lifespan. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that giving semaglutide to mice for three months improved their blood sugar control, physical appearance, behavior, and lifespan. The mice lived about 100 days longer than usual, which is a 12 percent increase. However, the scientists caution that more research is needed to understand how these drugs might affect human lifespans. Rafael de Cabo, a senior investigator at the National Institute on Aging and author of a commentary on the study, explained that chronic diseases often stem from the aging process. If GLP-1 drugs can slow aging, he said, it makes sense that they might lead to a range of health benefits. Earlier this year, separate research showed that these drugs might also reduce the risk of heart attacks and improve liver health. Other studies from the past year have suggested that GLP-1 drugs could have anti-aging properties, with trials involving both humans and mice. GLP-1 drugs help people lose weight by mimicking a natural hormone that reduces appetite. Eating fewer calories and maintaining a healthy weight are known to be linked with longer lifespans. To ensure the study's results were not just due to reduced food intake, scientists conducted a five-month experiment with two groups of mice. One group received the drugs, while another was placed on a low-calorie diet. Both groups showed improvements in blood sugar control, physical appearance, behavior, and lifespan. However, the mice that received the drugs had better health outcomes, particularly in memory and blood sugar regulation. Danica Chen, one of the researchers, said these findings suggest that GLP-1 drugs may work through a biological pathway that is separate from calorie restriction. Future research will investigate how this works, which could guide human trials. If similar results are found in people, the use of GLP-1 drugs could expand significantly. Currently, these drugs are approved for weight loss and treating diabetes, but their use is growing. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved the Eli Lilly diabetes drug Mounjaro to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with Type 2 diabetes, though it is currently used for weight loss without federal approval.