Gene variants may determine weight-loss drug success and tolerability

Credit: PonyWang

By Ella Pickover, PA

A person’s genes could play a role in how effective weight-loss jabs are, according to a new study.

Experts found that variants in a specific gene could also predict whether people are more likely to suffer side effects linked to the jabs.

The finding could partially help explain why some people appear to lose weight more quickly than others while taking the drugs.

And why some appear more vulnerable to side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

Researchers said the finding, published in the journal Nature, could one day help doctors deliver precision medicine to help people trying to lose weight.

The new study examined data from almost 28,000 people registered to the genetics website 23andMe and self-reported data on their use of GLP-1 receptor agonist weight-loss treatments including semaglutide, such as Wegovy, and tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro.

Using genetic data, researchers found that variations in two genes involved with hormones in the gut, which regulate appetite and digestion, could play a role in how these drugs work.