Obesity and type 2 diabetes are becoming increasingly common health problems in the developed world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, and of these, over 650 million were obese.

The WHO also reports that type 2 diabetes has risen dramatically over the past few decades, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Many people with these conditions struggle to manage their symptoms with diet and exercise alone, so scientists are now looking for alternative treatments, including old drugs that might have been overlooked in the past.

The problem with current treatments for obesity and diabetes

Currently, the main strategies for treating obesity and diabetes are lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. Lifestyle changes include adopting a balanced diet, increasing physical activity, and getting enough sleep.

Medications for diabetes include insulin injections and oral medications that help the body produce or use insulin more efficiently. However, these medications can have side effects, and patients may still experience difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels.

Surgery is usually reserved for those who are severely obese or who have not been able to control their diabetes through other means.

Why old drugs might be worth revisiting for diabetes and obesity treatment

The search for alternative treatments has led scientists to look at drugs that were originally developed for other conditions.

The advantage of repurposing old drugs is that they may already have gone through much of the safety testing process, so researchers can concentrate on testing their efficacy for treating different diseases.

Metformin – an old drug for multiple conditions

One example of an old drug that is now being used to treat diabetes and obesity is metformin.

Metformin was developed in the 1950s to treat type 2 diabetes, but it was also discovered to have potential in other areas, including weight loss and reducing the risk of certain cancers. It works by reducing blood sugar levels, which can help with weight loss in people who have type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels, that increases a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

Scientists have now found that metformin may also have potential for treating other conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Alzheimer’s disease.

PCOS is a condition in which the ovaries produce too much of certain hormones, causing irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and other symptoms. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior.

Studies have shown that metformin may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in people with diabetes or who are at risk of developing diabetes.

The benefits and drawbacks of metformin

Metformin is a relatively safe drug that has been used for decades, so it is widely available and affordable. It is usually taken orally and is well-tolerated by most people.

However, like any drug, it has some potential side effects, including gastrointestinal upset, lactic acidosis (a build-up of lactic acid in the body that can be life-threatening), and vitamin B12 deficiency. Metformin can also interact with other medications, so it is important for patients to tell their doctor about any other drugs they are taking.

Repurposing old drugs for obesity and diabetes treatment – other examples

In addition to metformin, several other old drugs are being tested for their potential to treat obesity and diabetes. These include:.

1. Salsalate

Salsalate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the 1970s to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

More recently, studies have shown that salsalate can also reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. Salsalate may also have potential for treating other conditions, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular disease.

2. Psilocybin

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in certain species of mushrooms. It has been used for centuries for its hallucinogenic properties.

More recently, researchers have been exploring its potential as a treatment for depression, anxiety, and addiction. Studies have also shown that psilocybin may have potential for treating obesity. It works by activating certain receptors in the brain that regulate appetite and energy expenditure.

3. Niclosamide

Niclosamide is an anthelmintic drug that was first approved by the FDA in the 1980s to treat tapeworm infections. It works by disrupting the parasite’s ability to absorb nutrients, leading to its death.

More recently, studies have shown that niclosamide may also have potential for treating obesity and diabetes. It works by activating a protein in the liver that helps to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. Niclosamide may also have potential for treating certain types of cancer.

The potential benefits of repurposing old drugs for obesity and diabetes

The benefits of repurposing old drugs for obesity and diabetes treatment are many. First, it saves time and reduces costs associated with developing new drugs from scratch.

Second, it reduces the risk of side effects because the drugs have already been tested in humans and have a known safety profile. Third, it provides new treatment options for patients who may not be able to tolerate current treatments or who are not able to achieve adequate control of their symptoms.

Conclusion

Overall, the repurposing of old drugs for the treatment of obesity and diabetes is an exciting area of research that has the potential to provide new treatment options for patients.

Metformin is a leading example of an old drug that has been successfully repurposed to treat multiple conditions, including diabetes, obesity, PCOS, and Alzheimer’s disease. Other old drugs, such as salsalate, psilocybin, and niclosamide, are also being tested for their potential to treat obesity and diabetes, as well as other conditions.

As the search for alternative treatments continues, the potential benefits of repurposing old drugs may become even more apparent.