Semaglutide helped older healthy mice live longer while improving memory, muscle function, blood sugar control, and several biological signs of aging. Its effects went beyond those seen with calorie restriction, raising the possibility that GLP-1 drugs could tap into a separate biological pathway linked to longevity.

Saturday, September 12 – Do you gain weight once you stop using them? Do they make your face saggy? Can they improve your mental health? Experts explain whether 13 common beliefs about GLP-1s are true or falseFALSE “GLP-1 medications mimic Glucagon-like peptide-1 – one of the hormones involved in appetite regulation. It doesn’t completely suppress hunger, but it is powerful,” says Dr Federica Amati, nutrition lead at Imperial College School of Medicine and author of The Appetite Reset. “The medicine is about 1,000 times stronger than what we naturally produce from our gut,” she explains. As food passes through the gut, cells called L-cells sense the nutrients, which sparks the production of the GLP-1 hormone.

Friday, September 11 – As weight loss drugs have risen all around the world, it has reshaped users’ relationships for better and for worseAs GLP-1 use continues to rise in the US and the UK, people’s bodies are being reshaped – as are their relationships.“Relationships tend to develop a sense of equilibrium and predictability over time,” says Dr Lindsey Berisha, a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked with clients using GLP-1s for over 10 years. “When one partner undergoes a significant change, it can shift that equilibrium, and even positive change can create uncertainty for both partners.” Continue reading…

Thursday, September 10 – Watch this discussion on how GLP-1 drugs for obesity are changing the shape of U.S. healthcare. From direct-to-consumer portals to pharmacy deals, how these drugs reach patients is changing—and leading to debates over pricing and coverage. Learn how your company can be both patient-forward while also maximizing revenue in this unique environment.

Thursday, September 10 – Semaglutide, the drug found in Ozempic and Wegovy, was linked to nearly 40% fewer asthma attacks in a large real-world study. It was also associated with about 20% fewer COPD flare-ups. Researchers say GLP-1 drugs may offer respiratory benefits in addition to their effects on diabetes and obesity, but clinical trials are needed to confirm the findings.

Thursday, September 10 – A CDC Covid restructuring, public trust in Fauci, and more health news from Morning Rounds

Thursday, September 10 – (MedPage Today) — Growing evidence linked GLP-1 drugs to a reduced risk of exacerbations of two types of chronic airways disease: asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Based on real-world records from the U.K., affected patients…

Thursday, September 10 – (MedPage Today) — Men predisposed to androgenetic alopecia had a higher risk of hair loss when using GLP-1 drugs, a Mendelian randomization study suggested. (Journal of Investigative Dermatology)
Truveta data indicated a 19% increase in GLP-1…

Thursday, September 10 – Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. has signed its largest ex-China licensing agreement for obesity candidate bofanglutide (GZR-18), granting Menarini Group rights across 39 European countries in a deal worth up to €726 million (US$844 million). Bofanglutide is a biweekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) independently discovered and developed by Beijing-based Gan & Lee.