Weight loss drugs may be more effective for people with certain genetic traits, according to new research published in Nature. Scientists say variations in genes linked to appetite and digestion can influence how much weight a person loses and whether they experience side effects.
The study helps explain why results vary widely among users of weight loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. While some people lose significant weight, others see minimal changes or struggle with nausea and vomiting during treatment.
Weight loss drugs and genetic differences explained
Researchers analyzed data from about 15,000 individuals who had taken weight loss drugs and previously undergone genetic testing. By examining millions of genetic variants, they identified patterns linking specific genes to treatment outcomes.
One variant appears to increase weight loss while also raising the likelihood of nausea. On average, people carrying this variant lost an additional 0.76 kilograms. Those with two copies of the gene saw even greater results.
However, this variant is more common in people of European ancestry. Around 64% carry one copy, while 16% carry two. In contrast, only about 7% of African Americans carry a single copy.
Why some people lose more weight than others
Clinical trials show that weight loss drugs can lead to significant reductions in body weight. On average, semaglutide treatments result in about 14% weight loss, while tirzepatide can reach up to 20%.
In real-world data, participants lost an average of 11.7% of their body weight over eight months. Still, results varied widely. Some individuals lost up to 30%, while others saw little or no change.
This variation highlights the role of genetics alongside other influencing factors. Experts emphasize that no single factor determines success.
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Side effects linked to genetic variants
The study also identified another genetic variant linked to severe side effects from weight loss drugs. This includes nausea and vomiting, particularly in people taking tirzepatide.
Researchers estimate that up to 1% of users could experience extreme vomiting, far above typical levels. Although this group is small, the findings highlight the need for careful monitoring.
Scientists say these genetic effects are modest but meaningful. They can help explain why some patients struggle with treatment while others tolerate it well.
Other factors influencing treatment outcomes
Experts stress that genetics is only one part of the equation. Lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and treatment plans all play major roles.
For example, exercise and diet significantly affect results. Support systems and access to healthcare also influence outcomes.
In addition, research suggests that women are more likely than men to lose at least 15% of their body weight when using certain medications. Age and ethnicity may also play a role, although the reasons remain unclear.
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Access and rising use of weight loss drugs
The popularity of weight loss drugs continues to grow rapidly. In the UK alone, an estimated 1.6 million people have used these medications in the past year.
Most users access them through private prescriptions and online pharmacies. Public healthcare systems offer limited access, typically reserved for patients with obesity and related health conditions.
As demand increases, researchers expect more studies to explore how these treatments work across different populations.
Future of personalized obesity treatment
The findings point toward a future of precision medicine. In this approach, doctors could use genetic information to select the most effective treatment for each patient.
However, experts caution that this goal remains distant. More research is needed to confirm these findings and understand how genetics interacts with other factors.
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What experts say about current research
Researchers describe the findings as scientifically important but not yet ready for clinical use. They emphasize the need for larger and more detailed trials.
Medical experts also highlight the importance of balancing benefits and risks. While weight loss drugs offer promising results, they can also carry side effects that require careful management.
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As research continues, the role of genetics in obesity treatment will become clearer. For now, weight loss drugs remain an important tool, but their effectiveness depends on a combination of biological and lifestyle factors.
