Genetic Variations Influence Efficacy of Weight-Loss Medications
Genetic Factors and Weight-Loss Drugs
Ground-breaking research published in the journal Nature indicates that an individual's genetic make-up plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of widely used weight-loss medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. The study identifies specific genetic variations associated with both enhanced weight loss and a higher propensity for side effects like nausea and vomiting.
These medications work by mimicking natural gut hormones, promoting a feeling of fullness and thereby reducing hunger. The study, which analysed data from 15,000 individuals, revealed an average weight loss of 11.7% over approximately eight months, though outcomes varied dramatically, with some losing up to 30% and others seeing little to no effect.
Professor Ruth Loos of the University of Copenhagen highlighted that a particular genetic variant, prevalent in individuals of European ancestry, is linked to both increased weight loss and a higher incidence of nausea. Carrying two copies of this variant can reportedly double the amount of weight lost, equating to an additional 0.76kg on average. Furthermore, another variant was identified as potentially amplifying severe vomiting in a small percentage of users taking tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
Precision Medicine: A Future Prospect
While genetics offer a new layer of understanding, experts caution that they are just one piece of a complex puzzle. Factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, lifestyle, and other underlying health conditions also significantly influence treatment outcomes. For instance, women have previously been shown to be more than twice as likely to achieve substantial weight loss on Mounjaro compared to men.
The long-term vision involves 'precision medicine', where genetic and other personal data could inform the choice of weight-loss medication, optimising benefits and mitigating risks for individual patients. However, Professor Naveed Sattar, a metabolic health expert from the University of Glasgow, stresses that these findings, while scientifically compelling, are not yet ready to alter current clinical practice. Further robust trial data are essential to fully define the balance of benefits and harms associated with these and other emerging therapies.
