Metformin, the Big New 'Anti-Aging' Drug, Explained

So, uh... does it work?
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Metformin is an old, cheap drug used to help control blood sugar in people with diabetes. Now, it’s back in the news because some people - particularly wealthy people - are using it for possible anti-aging effects. That’s right. One of the most popular ways rich people are trying to live longer isn’t some million dollar cryo-something experiment, but a pill that costs pennies that's already on the market. So, the big question is: Does it work? To find out, I interviewed the lead researcher on the biggest study of metformin for anti-aging, Dr. Nir Barzilai. The answer he gives me? Well, it’s complicated.

Note: I do not take metformin, nor am I advocating anyone else should. Please don't get medical advice from a youtube video! The purpose of this video is to explain the research that exists, explore what it tells us about aging in general, and discuss the effort Dr. Barzilai is leading to learn more.

00:00 What is metformin?
00:53 What is aging?
01:46 Can we slow aging?
02:27 Does metformin work for anti aging?
03:40 How does metformin work?
04:37 What is the TAME Trial?
05:46 Should I take metformin?
07:31 Why slow aging?

I tell different stories in different places:

Bio:
Cleo Abram is an Emmy-nominated video producer and journalist. Cleo produces detailed explainer stories about technology and economics. She wrote the Coding and Diamonds episodes of Vox’s Netflix show, Explained, was the host and a senior producer of Vox’s first ever daily show, Answered, as well as a host and producer of Vox’s YouTube Originals show, Glad You Asked. She now makes her own independent show, Huge If True. Each episode takes on one big technology innovation or idea, explains what it is, and helps people imagine the ways it could improve the world we live in by answering one simple question: If this works, what could go right?

Sources and additional reading:

Gear I use:
Camera: Sony A7SIII
Lens: Sony 16–35 mm F2.8 GM
Audio: Sennheiser SK AVX and Zoom H4N Pro

Music: Musicbed

[MedlifeCrisis]

Great job explaining a complex topic fairly and succinctly. Btw one of the experts in your clips there, Andrew Steele, is a friend of mine. I’ll let him know he makes a cameo!

[SamAmiri]

0:37 doctor here, understand that if you have kidney issues, you should NOT take it, regardless of what you think.

[jgalindoj]

At first, I was scared of the way this video would talk about taking a drug without prescription. I found you did it very responsibly. Thanks you.

[martinebon]

As someone who works in the field of research, we have already been using Metformin as one of the trial arms for prostate cancer due to observed anti cancer effects. This trial is still ongoing and results will probably be published in 5years.

[Colonel_Popcorn]

This is a masterclass for anyone that wants an example of brilliantly presented, informative, and responsible journalism. Beautifully edited, and just plainly honest and heartfelt. 12/10

[camivalero]

Hi Cleo! I don’t know about aging but I’m a not diabetic woman taking metformin because a side effect of it is controlling polycystic ovaries (PCOS) syndrome. It blew my mind when, several years ago, my gyno prescripted to me because of that side effect scientists found about.

Love your videos! Huge fan from Argentina 💘🇦🇷

[vd]

I like this format. One topic, not too deep, not too shallow, just enough to educate us enough for more research if interested. Great going Cleo! Good luck and keep growing!

[salpirwani]

My Dads been taking Metformin for the past 30+ years for Diabetes. Fought serious Covid, Heart attack, Broken Hip and still goes to work at the age of 70! Maybe on to something here...

[TitusRex]

An alternative explanation for the diabetes study is that people with mild diabetes (non insulin dependent) often only take metformin but have regular doctor appointments, while the general population does not have the same level of medical care.

What this study can mean is that regular doctors visits increase health and longevity, which sounds like a a very reasonable conclusion.

[patrycjapudeko]

The problem is if researchers confirm that this drug is "anti-aging" it would immediately be much more expensive, and at the same time less available for the people with diabetes, who desperately need it... Let's not forget about that!

[sakshamjoshi]

I'm so looking forward to see this channel become HUGE one day. Fine job Cleo. Keep up the good work👍

[jehkcrawd]

A newly graduated pharmacist once told me metformin is one drug that “probably everyone should take” because it has so many benefits

[krishna]

So if Metformin is hypothesized to counter ageing by reducing the amount of blood sugar flowing in our cardiovascular system, would switching to restrictive sugar diet achieve similar effect?

[claudiasolorzano]

I was prescribed Metformin and I was taking it for about a year. I have PCOS which means I have some insulin resistance, but I am not diabetic. I lost weight and had trouble putting on muscle. For someone that was already underweight, this became a big issue for me. I was excited to read about possible longevity effects of Metformin and made me more inclined to continue taking it, but I quit a lot of medications in order to try conceiving. I don't believe I will take Metformin again unless my Endocrinologist thinks I should go on it again. I felt fine taking it, I feel better off of it. Excited to see what these studies find, always wanted to learn more.

[hermant]

Oh my GODDD!! Your journalism - ugh it’s so good!! Such a responsible take on a potentially life-changing technology. No hype, no clickbait, no jumping to conclusions - just strong reminders of how complex this world is and how difficult it is to acquire information and weigh the risks. This was a LOVELY breath of fresh air journalism. Oh my gosh thank you so much. 😊

[chrisanderson]

This is my favorite series on YouTube right now. Candid coverage of important topics.

[gurtejsingh]

This is slowly becoming my favourite channel on YouTube, it's well researched, and really has an optimistic and personal side to it that i feel is really lacking in general these days. Looking forward to seeing more of this for sure!

[Dana_Swan_]

Metformin = Lower Glucose in Blood.... Fasting = Lower Glucose in Blood = Reseacrh shows that increase lifespan & less disease.. I do Intermittant Fasting & Anti-Iflammatory Diet.. I am 72 & feel 22 with no disease & no meds.

[alexfall]

One of the strengths of this channel so far appears to be general video production value and finding interesting topics. One of the clear weaknesses is the lack of due-diligence with research.

The arguments in favor of the videos' attention grabbing premises are backed by expert interviews (from people very close to the industry), while any objections are from Cleo's voice instead of a contrary expert interview. That framing elevates experts with vested interests in their particular niche, and devalues the more sober views of other experts filtered or omitted through Cleo. So far it's just two videos, but I'm suspecting it'll be a pattern in future videos. "Is fracking actually ok?"=talk to expert engineer in fracking, "Drug makes you live longer?"=talk to professor promoting and likely looking for continued funding on his own work with the drug.

What would have taken this video up to the next level would be finding an expert in the field who objected to the conclusions offered by the experts. Have someone on to talk about the likely causes of the reduction in all-cause mortality that aren't related to metformin. Perhaps, people with diagnosed diabetes are generally more aware of their day-to-day health and make more frequent doctors visits, and would have better outcomes in regards to preventative health practices. Or perhaps Metformin may have specific knock-on benefits in reducing heart disease. While it would have been a damper on the more positive interpretation of the premise (which I understand is the channel's mission) I think it would have added a lot of depth.

Great video series so far though, and I look forward to more videos!

[charlesloeffler]

I was on metformin, but was taken off of it because (I believe) it was hard on one of my major organs. I think it was either the liver or kidneys. People should check out side effects before self medication