Extra virgin olive oil, the new Ozempic?

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the New Ozempic? What Anti-Aging Millionaire Bryan Johnson Says

Lately, the name Ozempic has been popping up in conversations about health and wellness, especially regarding weight loss and glycemic control. Millionaire Bryan Johnson, known for his obsessive pursuit of longevity and anti-aging regimen, has made a claim that has sparked debate: Is extra virgin olive oil “better than Ozempic”?

To understand this bold statement, we must first break down what Ozempic is. It is an injectable medication approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, mimics a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite. These side effects—reduced hunger and prolonged feelings of satiety—have led to its off-label use for weight loss, generating significant interest and controversy.

Through his platforms and interviews, Johnson has highlighted the multiple health benefits of extra virgin olive oil. It’s not just a tasty dressing; extra virgin olive oil is a rich source of healthy monounsaturated fats, powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols, and essential vitamins. These compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, protect cardiovascular health, improve insulin sensitivity, and even have a positive impact on cognitive function.

The key to Johnson’s claim isn’t a direct comparison in terms of dramatic short-term weight loss, where Ozempic may show more evident results. His perspective seems to focus on a holistic view of long-term health and well-being. While Ozempic primarily works to regulate blood sugar and appetite, extra virgin olive oil offers a broader range of benefits that contribute to optimal metabolic health and healthy aging.

Chronic Inflammation

Consider chronic inflammation, an underlying factor in many age-related diseases. The polyphenols present in extra virgin olive oil are potent natural anti-inflammatories, which can help mitigate this process. Ozempic has also been shown to have some anti-inflammatory effects, but the spectrum of action of olive oil’s natural compounds is more diverse.

Insulin Sensitivity

Regarding insulin sensitivity, crucial for preventing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, both Ozempic and extra virgin olive oil have been shown to have positive effects. However, olive oil does so more gradually and as part of a healthy dietary pattern, without the potential side effects associated with a drug.

Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular health is another strong point of extra virgin olive oil. Its monounsaturated fats have been widely studied for their ability to reduce “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase “good” cholesterol (HDL), thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease. While Ozempic may also have cardiovascular benefits in certain patients with type 2 diabetes, olive oil offers this protection as a natural component of the diet.

Brain Function

Finally, the connection between the gut and the brain is becoming increasingly clear. Compounds in extra virgin olive oil may positively influence the gut microbiota, which in turn may have beneficial effects on brain function and mood. This is an area where research on Ozempic is still ongoing.

It is crucial to understand that Bryan Johnson’s perspective does not advocate abandoning prescribed medical treatments like Ozempic without the supervision of a healthcare professional. His statement seems more like an invitation to reconsider the power of natural foods and their long-term impact on health. Extra virgin olive oil, as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, could be a powerful tool for preventing and maintaining good metabolic health, offering benefits that go beyond simply controlling weight or blood sugar.

Ultimately, the comparison between extra virgin olive oil and Ozempic is not a direct competition. They are tools with different mechanisms of action and applications. However, Johnson’s vision prompts us to reflect on the potential of natural foods, like extra virgin olive oil, to positively influence our health in the long term, perhaps even in a positive way that rival the effects of certain drugs, always within the context of a healthy lifestyle and under the guidance of medical professionals when necessary. The question is not so much whether one is “better” than the other, but rather how we can integrate both approaches—the power of modern pharmacology and the wisdom of nature—to optimize our health and well-being.