Weight-loss medication may work differently because of genetics

A Nature study of more than 27,000 users found a GLP1R gene variant linked to about 1.6 pounds additional weight loss on average, while a different variant was associated with higher reports of nausea but not lower effectiveness.

A Nature study examined whether genetic differences help explain why some people see different results from GLP-1 weight-loss medications. Researchers combined genetic data with self-reported weight change from more than 27,000 users to look for associations. The report highlights a modest genetic signal for response and a separate signal tied to gastrointestinal side effects. Key findings: - A GLP1R gene variant was associated with about 1.6 pounds more weight loss on average among carriers. - The overall average weight loss reported across participants was about 24 pounds. - A variant in GIPR was linked to more reports of nausea and vomiting, but those carriers lost similar amounts of weight as others. - The study used self-reported data from 23andMe participants and was observational rather than a randomized clinical trial, raising limits on how results can be interpreted. Summary: The study suggests genetic differences may partly explain varying responses to GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Authors and outside clinicians noted modest effects and limitations in the data, including self-reporting and a non-diverse participant pool. Undetermined at this time.