GLP-1 drugs fuel celebrity weight‑loss debate and show promise in slowing biological aging

Hollywood figures such as Charlize Theron, Rosie O'Donnell and Meghan Trainor have been linked to GLP‑1 medications—including Ozempic and Mounjaro—in social‑media speculation about rapid weight loss and the so‑called “Ozempic face,” described by dermatologist Dr. Mojgan Hosseinipour as a hollowed appearance caused by loss of facial fat. Experts caution against off‑label use of these drugs for dieting, noting risks such as dehydration and gastrointestinal problems.

In parallel, scientists at the University of California, San Diego reported that weekly semaglutide injections slowed biological aging in a pilot study of 108 adults living with HIV. Using epigenetic clocks, the treated group showed a 9 % reduction in the DunedinPACE aging rate and significant deceleration on the PCGrimAge clock, alongside longer telomeres in many participants. Lead author Dr. Michael Corley attributed the effect to reduced inflammation, improved metabolic health and decreased visceral fat. The research, funded in part by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, suggests GLP‑1 drugs may extend healthspan, though larger trials are needed.