Key Summary
- Researchers from 23andMe, a nonprofit medical research institute, studied data from 27,885 patients on GLP1 drugs.
- The first variant is located in the GLP1R gene, which codes for the receptor protein that is the target of GLP-1 medications.
- The study identified another genetic variant that is associated with side-effects, specifically nausea and vomiting, while using tirzepatide.
A new study has found that genetics has a role in the outcomes of weight-loss treatments involving glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) medications - semaglutide and tirzepatide.
While these medications are commonly prescribed to help control blood sugar and to assist in weight loss, there is substantial variation in the treatment outcomes.
Some individuals lose as little as 5 percent of their body weight, whereas others lose more than 20 percent.
Researchers from 23andMe, a nonprofit medical research institute, studied data from 27,885 patients on GLP1 drugs and their findings were published in the journal Nature.
It claims that those who carry variations in two genes linked to appetite and digestion can lose more weight.
Semaglutide (sold as Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) mimic natural gut hormones and help regulate appetite, insulin release and digestion.
The findings suggest genetic differences may contribute to why people respond differently to weight-loss jabs.
The study firstly identified a genetic variant that is associated with both weight loss and nausea for semaglutide and tirzepatide.
This variant is located in the GLP1R gene, which codes for the receptor protein that is the target of GLP-1 medications.
The study identified another genetic variant that is associated with side effects, specifically nausea and vomiting, while using tirzepatide.
While semaglutide acts only on GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide act on GLP and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) receptors.
This is another hormone, like GLP-1, that helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.
The researchers found that this second variant is located in the GIPR gene, which explains why it impacts tirzepatide response, but not semaglutide.
23andMe Research Institute chief medical officer Dr Noura Abul-Husn sees the data as a catalyst for better patient-doctor relationships.
The institute's Total Health members can now access an exclusive interactive tool that combines an individual’s genetic results with their medical history to help doctors and patients move toward data-driven, personalised weight management decisions.
