Category

Medications, Supplements & Other Treatments

In our practice, we organize longevity tactics into five domains — one of which I call ‘exogenous molecules,’ a fancy way of talking about medications, supplements, hormones, or any other formulated molecule you put into your body. Although powerful, this tactic can be challenging to discuss as it is highly individual. So instead of telling you to “take X” or “never take Y,” I find it more beneficial to approach this tactic with a 3-part framework:

(1) What is the objective? The more clearly you can define your objective, the more clearly you can assess if this is the right tool for accomplishing that objective

(2) Is there a biomarker? How do you plan to customize, track, and adjust your treatment over time? If there is no biomarker to monitor as a measure of effectiveness, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the supplement or medication; it just means you may need to be more intentional around monitoring results in other ways.

(3) Does the risk outweigh the reward? Everyone has a different tolerance for risk. Some questions to consider when weighing risk vs. reward: What is the mechanism of action? How many patient years of use exist? What are the short-term and long-term risks of taking the medication? What are the risks of not taking the medication?

Below is a collection of past content discussing some common supplements, medications, and other treatments.

#281 ‒ Longevity drugs, aging biomarkers, and updated findings from the Interventions Testing Program (ITP) | Rich Miller, M.D., Ph.D.

What we try to do is quite simple. We try to find drugs that will slow aging and extend mouse lifespan.” —Rich Miller

Do GLP-1 receptor agonists improve cardiovascular health independently of weight loss?

A new trial has reported that the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide reduces risk of cardiovascular events in patients with obesity – but that’s not the question we ought to be asking.

#279 – AMA #53: Metabolic health & pharmacologic interventions: SGLT-2 inhibitors, metformin, GLP-1 agonists, and the impact of statins

It is worth noting, and this is a very important question, that it does not appear that the effect of statins on insulin resistance is a function of lipids being lowered.” —Peter Attia

#277 ‒ Food allergies: causes, prevention, and treatment with immunotherapy | Kari Nadeau, M.D., Ph.D.

What I love about the immune system is it can be trained, and you just need to know how to train it.” —Kari Nadeau

#276 ‒ Special episode: Peter answers questions on longevity, supplements, protein, fasting, apoB, statins, and more

One of the most important things to understand when you are using some sort of intervention is, do you have a biomarker to know if you’re doing it correctly?” —Peter Attia

Could a psoriasis drug find new purpose in treating alcohol use disorder?

Recent pilot research suggests that the psoriasis drug apremilast may have promise in curbing excessive drinking in those with alcohol use disorder.

#275 – AMA #52: Hormone replacement therapy: practical applications and the role of compounding pharmacies

The sum total of lives that have been saved due to less breast cancer as a result from the lack of HRT for the past 20 years is exactly zero.” —Peter Attia

Could an antihypertensive drug have independent benefits for longevity?

A recent animal study indicates that the antihypertensive drug rilmenidine has impressive effects on lifespan, but without further evidence, this story seems like another “fountain of youth” myth.

#274 – Performance-enhancing drugs and hormones: risks, rewards, and broader implications for the public | Derek: More Plates, More Dates

There’s no drug that’s purely selective exactly where you want and it’s perfect.” —Derek – More Plates More Dates

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