Why Don't GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Have the Same Effect on Everyone?
Toronto and Tufts University researchers examined the cellular, genetic and hormonal limits in individuals resistant to GLP-1 agonists.
Quick Look
- Toronto and Tufts University researchers examined why some people fail to lose weight despite the popular weight-loss drug GLP-1.
- The study explained that factors such as estrogen hormone, genetic variants and impulsive eating determine the effect of the drug.
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Why It Matters
GLP-1 agonists are among the most popular weight loss drugs of recent times, but some users cannot lose weight despite these drugs.
In the world of medicine and obesity research, critical data has been published regarding the cellular and genetic limits of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) agonists, the most popular weight-loss drugs of recent times. Researchers from the University of Toronto and Tufts University examined why a significant portion of users cannot lose weight despite these powerful drugs.
According to data provided by the respected science publication Nature magazine and the International Endocrine Society, 10% to 15% of those who use the drug cannot achieve the targeted weight loss or receive very minimal results.
EASTROGEN HORMONE DOUBLES THE SLIMMING POWER OF THE DRUG
One of the most striking clinical findings in the research was the effect of biological sex and hormone levels on drug response. In studies conducted on postmenopausal women, it was found that patients who received estrogen-containing hormone replacement therapy in addition to GLP-1 medication lost weight much faster and at a higher rate.
Experts reported that the female sex hormone estrogen creates a synergistic (joint) effect with GLP-1 in the appetite center in the brain, radically reducing food intake.
GENETIC VARIANTS AND GENOME ANALYSIS OF 28 THOUSAND PEOPLE
In the genome research, in which the DNA data of more than 28 thousand people was examined, it was documented that individuals carrying a special variant in the GLP-1 receptor gene responded much more to the drug.
While it was observed that patients carrying the gene in question lost additional weight more easily, scientists noted that genetic data alone is not yet sufficient to prescribe, and individual metabolism differences are being investigated.
"THE SECRET ROOM OF THE BRAIN" AND PSYCHOLOGICAL Impulsivity BARRIER
Researchers emphasize that psychological and neurological factors are also determining factors in individuals who are resistant to weight loss medications. It was stated that patients who tended to "impulsive eating" and high calorie consumption in personality tests had difficulty suppressing the reward mechanism in the brain even if they used medication.
University of Toronto Endocrinology Specialist Dr. Daniel Drucker stated that the receptor density in the brain's appetite control centers varies from person to person and said, "We measure drug levels and proteomics, but we have not yet been able to fully unlock the 'secret room' that explains individual differences. Our goal is to develop obesity treatment specific to each patient."
Open Questions
- How exactly will individual metabolic differences be mapped?
- Will genetic data be used directly in prescription writing in the future?
