Why aren't I losing weight on a GLP

Key Points:

• Researchers at 23andMe identified two gene variants, GLP1R and GIPR, that help predict weight loss success and side effects like nausea from GLP-1 drugs used for obesity treatment, integrating these findings into their genetic testing service.
• The study analyzed genomes of 15,000 individuals on GLP-1 drugs, finding that people with certain GLP1R gene variants lost modestly more weight—up to three pounds more with two copies of the variant—highlighting a genetic influence on drug effectiveness.
• Experts emphasize that genetics is one of many factors affecting GLP-1 drug response, and while the additional weight loss may seem small, it represents a significant portion of total weight loss for some individuals, underscoring the potential for personalized obesity treatment.
• The research advances pharmacogenomics by moving toward precision medicine in obesity care, aiming to better predict who will benefit from expensive GLP-1 drugs and reduce trial-and-error prescribing.
• Although the findings were replicated in separate datasets, some experts call for further studies to confirm the genetic effects, noting that not all previous research has found similar associations.