{
  "id": 19915800,
  "title": "Yale scientists reveal what really slows aging and what doesn't",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/yale-scientists-reveal-what-really-slows-aging-and-what-doesnt",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-11-14T04:26:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ScienceDaily Health",
    "slug": "sciencedaily-health",
    "url": "https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/11/261112230452.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study from Yale University has uncovered which anti-aging treatments are effective and which are not. The research team, led by assistant professor Albert Higgins-Chen, analyzed data from 51 clinical studies to determine how well various interventions slow biological aging. Biological age refers to the age of our body's cells, as measured by DNA-based blood tests, and can be influenced by certain medications and lifestyle changes, according to the findings published in Nature Medicine.\n\nAmong the treatments studied, prescription medications like metformin and semaglutide, as well as anti-TNF therapies, were found to have a significant impact on biological age. These medications are typically used to manage metabolic conditions and body weight, and target an immune-system protein involved in inflammation. In contrast, popular over-the-counter supplements did not produce the same measurable effects on biological age.\n\nResearchers also examined the effects of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. A combination of regular physical activity and a healthy eating plan consistently resulted in reduced epigenetic age. The dietary approaches shown to be effective included Mediterranean, low-fat, and low-carb diets. However, some medical procedures did not show significant reductions in biological age.\n\nThe study highlights the importance of using blood-based measurements called epigenetic clocks to estimate a person's biological age. These biomarkers can help researchers evaluate the effectiveness of anti-aging treatments without necessarily guaranteeing longer life or the prevention of age-related diseases. The findings could help scientists evaluate anti-aging treatments more effectively in the future.",
  "summary": "Yale researchers have discovered that certain prescription drugs, healthy diets, and exercise can measurably slow biological aging, while popular anti-aging supplements appear largely ineffective. Their analysis of 51 studies could transform how scientists evaluate anti-aging treatments, although whether these biological changes actually extend life remains uncertain.",
  "key_points": [
    "Prescription meds like metformin and semaglutide reduce biological age",
    "Mediterranean, low-fat, and low-carb diets slow epigenetic aging",
    "Medical procedures show no significant impact on biological age"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Distinguishing effective clinical interventions from ineffective supplements provides a clearer roadmap for targeting biological aging through specific metabolic medications and disciplined lifestyle habits rather than over-the-counter products.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}