A new study suggests that genetics may play a role in determining how effective weight loss injections are, as well as the occurrence of side effects.
Researchers found that variations in certain genes can affect how the body responds to these treatments. This could explain why some people lose a lot of weight, while others gain little or nothing.
The study, published in Nature, also suggests that some individuals are more likely to experience side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
These weight loss drugs belong to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the hormone GLP-1 to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite.
The study analyzed data from about 28,000 people registered on the genetic platform 23andMe, who reported using medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro.
The results showed that:
A variant of the GLP-1 receptor was associated with a slightly greater reduction in body mass index (BMI)
Another variant was associated with increased side effects such as nausea and vomiting, particularly in tirzepatide users.
However, researchers emphasize that these genetic influences are limited. Other factors such as age, gender, type of drug, and dosage have a much greater impact on the final results.
According to experts, this discovery could help in the development of personalized medicine in the future, enabling doctors to choose the most appropriate treatment for each patient.
In the UK, around 2.4 million people currently use weight loss drugs, although restrictions on the public health system mean many of them buy them privately.
Studies show that Mounjaro can help patients lose up to 20% of their body weight in just over a year.
However, public health experts warn that relying solely on these drugs to combat obesity is not a long-term solution. They emphasize the importance of prevention through a healthy lifestyle.
According to specialists, although there is great variability in response to GLP-1 therapies, genes are only part of a much more complex picture. Behavioral, clinical, and treatment factors remain the main determinants of success.
In conclusion, the study represents an important step towards understanding individual differences in treatment, but there is still not enough evidence for genetic information to be widely used to guide medical decisions in everyday practice. /GazetaExpress/
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