#246 – AMA #45:  Pros and cons of GLP-1 weight loss drugs and metformin as a geroprotective agent | The Peter Attia Drive

Intro

In this episode of “The Peter Attia Drive”, the focus is on GLP1 Agonists and Metformin. Peter Attia discusses the pros and cons of these weight loss drugs and explores the potential of Metformin as a geroprotective agent. He delves into their clinical applications, marketing strategies, and the latest insights and studies surrounding these medications.

Main Takeaways

GLP1 Agonists: Pros and Cons

• GLP1 Agonists, initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, are now being used for weight loss and cardiovascular disease prevention.
• These drugs stimulate insulin release and inhibit glucagon release, leading to improved glycemic control and appetite reduction.
• Semaglutide and Treszapetide are both GLP-1 agonists, with Treszapetide showing promising results for weight loss as a dual agonist of GIP and GLP-1.
• Terzepatide, a co-agonist of GIP and GLP-1, is a newer drug that has demonstrated significant weight loss potential.
• GLP-1 drugs are not only effective for diabetes but also show promise as weight loss medications.

Metformin as a Geroprotective Agent

• Metformin, traditionally used for diabetes management, has garnered interest as a potential geroprotective longevity agent.
• Studies suggest that Metformin may improve health outcomes and longevity, even in non-diabetic individuals.
• While reservations exist about the effectiveness of Metformin, ongoing research aims to uncover its full potential as a geroprotective agent.
• Other geroprotective drugs, such as SGLT2 inhibitors and rapamycin, act broadly across various hallmarks of aging, improving both lifespan and health span.

Summary

GLP1 Agonists: A Paradigm Shift in Weight Loss

GLP1 Agonists, originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, have emerged as effective weight loss drugs. These medications stimulate insulin release and reduce appetite, leading to improved glycemic control and significant weight loss. Semaglutide and Treszapetide, both GLP-1 agonists, have shown promising results in clinical trials. Treszapetide, a dual agonist of GIP and GLP-1, exhibits potent weight loss effects. The availability of these drugs provides new possibilities for individuals struggling with obesity and associated health conditions.

Metformin: Exploring its Geroprotective Potential

Metformin, a widely used medication for diabetes management, has piqued interest as a potential geroprotective agent. Studies have indicated that Metformin may improve health outcomes and longevity, even in non-diabetic individuals. However, concerns about its effectiveness remain, and ongoing research aims to address these uncertainties. Other geroprotective drugs, such as SGLT2 inhibitors and rapamycin, offer promising avenues for extending both lifespan and health span by targeting multiple aging processes. The exploration of Metformin’s geroprotective properties opens up new possibilities in the field of anti-aging medicine.

Conclusion

GLP1 Agonists and Metformin are at the forefront of medical research and clinical applications. While GLP1 Agonists offer a paradigm shift in weight loss management, Metformin holds promise as a geroprotective agent. Ongoing studies and advancements in these areas continue to shape the landscape of healthcare, providing new avenues for improving health outcomes and extending longevity.