People Who Don't Lose Weight on Wegovy May Have Genetic Differences
12 days ago
- #weight-loss
- #genetics
- #GLP-1-drugs
- Some individuals on weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound experience little to no weight loss despite adherence, leading to frustration.
- Approximately 12% of Americans use GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss, with up to 25% classified as 'nonresponders' (losing <5% body weight in 3 months).
- Nonresponse may be linked to biological factors, including genetic and physiological traits influencing appetite and metabolism.
- Researchers have identified four obesity phenotypes (e.g., 'hungry brain' and 'hungry gut') that affect drug response.
- Genetic variations, such as in the neurobeachin gene, may influence how effectively GLP-1 drugs suppress appetite and promote weight loss.
- External cues (e.g., food sight/smell) and emotional triggers also impact weight-loss outcomes on GLP-1 medications.
- Large-scale genetic studies have not yet found strong links between genetic variants and weight-loss outcomes, suggesting other factors are at play.
- Future research aims to improve personalized treatment by predicting drug response, but genetics alone may not determine outcomes.