top of page
  • Writer's picturemeowdini
    • May 20
    • 2 min read

Gene Test Might Predict Success of Popular Weight Loss Drugs

GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Wegovy) have emerged as powerful tools for weight loss, but their effectiveness varies greatly between individuals. A new genetic test called MyPhenome aims to address this by potentially predicting who is likely to benefit most from these drugs.


The GLP-1 Weight Loss Conundrum:

  • GLP-1 drugs can lead to significant weight loss (20% or more) for some users.

  • However, for others, the impact is minimal, raising questions about individual variations in response.

  • A study suggests roughly 1 in 7 people using semaglutide for over a year see minimal weight loss (under 5%).


Genetics: The Potential Key to Personalized Treatment:

  • MyPhenome, a test developed by Mayo Clinic researchers, analyzes 6,000 variations across 22 genes.

  • It assigns a "hungry gut" score, classifying individuals as either positive or negative.

  • Those with a positive score ("hungry gut-positive") have a normal response to GLP-1's satiety signals in the brain,potentially leading to greater weight loss.

  • Conversely, "hungry gut-negative" individuals might have a weaker response to these signals, requiring alternative weight loss strategies.

Early Signs of Promise, but Further Research Needed:

  • A small study involving 84 participants showed promising results.

  • After a year on semaglutide, the "hungry gut-positive" group lost nearly twice as much weight (19%) compared to the "negative" group (10%).

  • While encouraging, the study is preliminary and requires further validation:

  • Larger, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are necessary to confirm the test's accuracy.


Potential Benefits of MyPhenome:

  • Identifying optimal candidates for GLP-1 medications could save patients money and frustration by avoiding ineffective treatments.

  • The test could also guide alternative weight loss approaches for those with a "hungry gut-negative" score.


The Future of Precision Medicine for Obesity:

  • MyPhenome represents a potential step towards personalized medicine for obesity.

  • Tailoring treatment strategies based on individual genetic makeup could improve weight loss success rates.



Source: CNN

3 views0 comments

Comments

bottom of page