What they are
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the gut hormone GLP-1 to release insulin when needed, slow stomach emptying and reduce appetite. Examples include semaglutide and tirzepatide (a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist).
Why they matter
Beyond glucose control, they produce substantial, sustained weight loss, and large randomised trials have shown reductions in major cardiovascular events in people with obesity or diabetes. Because excess weight and cardiometabolic disease are leading drivers of early mortality, this is a meaningful healthspan signal.
What the evidence shows
For weight and cardiovascular outcomes in the studied populations the evidence is strong (hard-endpoint RCTs). What is *not* established is a general “anti-ageing” effect in healthy-weight people, and there are real side-effects (GI symptoms, and open questions about muscle loss).
What to ask a clinic
These are prescription medicines. Ask about eligibility, dose escalation, side-effects, how muscle mass will be protected, and what happens to weight when the drug is stopped.