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الوسم: weight loss drugs

  • Are Diabetes and Weight-Loss Drugs a Good Match?

    Are Diabetes and Weight-Loss Drugs a Good Match?

    Credit: Unsplash+.


    Millions worldwide are affected by type 2 diabetes, and recent international research, led by Adelaide University, the University of Oxford, ETH Zurich, and Stanford University, reveals that one in ten individuals may not respond to common diabetes medications.

    The study uncovered genetic differences present in about ten percent of the population that could hinder the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor drugs, such as Ozempic.

    This research emphasizes the importance of personalized medicine when prescribing these popular medications, which are also employed for weight loss.

    “Recent advancements in treating diabetes and obesity have been driven by widespread use of GLP-1 based therapies like Ozempic,” said lead researcher Dr. Mahesh Umapathysivam from Adelaide University’s Centre of Research Excellence: Translating Nutritional Science to Good Health.

    “However, not all patients respond equally well,” he added. “Understanding why, and being able to predict who will benefit or not, will help us tailor treatments more effectively to individual patients.”

    The findings, published in Genome Medicine, stem from numerous human and animal trials examining how specific gene variants in the PAM gene increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

    This study builds on previous research showing that the PAM gene worsens diabetes risk by reducing insulin production and altering hormone structures, including the GLP-1 hormone responsible for blood sugar regulation.

    In this latest research, scientists showed that variations in the PAM gene made the enzyme less effective, leading to higher levels of natural GLP-1 but diminishing the hormone’s positive influence on blood sugar. This indicates a form of resistance to GLP-1 in individuals with these genetic traits.

    Further investigation revealed that this genetic resistance impacts how the body responds to GLP-1 medications. For carriers of specific PAM gene variants, the medications’ ability to lower blood glucose was reduced by as much as 44% over six months.

    Only about 11% of those with the more harmful PAM variant managed to reach recommended blood sugar levels while on these drugs, compared to roughly 25% of individuals without the mutation.

    “Our study offers critical clinical evidence showing that certain gene variants make some people more prone to diabetes and less responsive to GLP-1 therapies,” said Dr. Umapathysivam. “As we identify more genetic markers predicting treatment response, we can combine this data to select the most effective medication for each patient.”

    GLP-1 medications like Ozempic are typically injectable treatments that help control blood sugar by stimulating insulin production and suppressing appetite.

    “Type 2 diabetes remains one of the leading causes of health complications and death worldwide. Despite the variety of available treatments, only half of all patients meet the target blood glucose levels,” noted Dr. Umapathysivam. “This underscores the need for more personalized treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.”

    The ongoing research, supported by Diabetes Australia, aims to expand these findings.

    “We hope this work will pave the way for future genetic testing panels that identify the best medications for individual patients, thereby enhancing diabetes management and reducing adverse effects,” said Dr. Umapathysivam.


  • Hidden Benefits of Weight Loss Drugs and Surgery

    Hidden Benefits of Weight Loss Drugs and Surgery

    A new study indicates that both weight loss medications and bariatric surgery can significantly improve body composition in individuals with obesity. The research, conducted by Vanderbilt Health and published in JAMA Network Open, demonstrates that these treatments help decrease body fat while only minimally reducing lean body mass, such as muscle tissue. Maintaining a proper balance between fat and muscle is crucial for long-term health benefits.

    Obesity remains a rising health concern worldwide, associated with increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. For individuals affected, losing weight can lead to notable health improvements.

    However, not all weight loss offers the same benefits. Losing fat is advantageous, but excessive muscle loss can be detrimental since muscle supports movement, strength, and boosts metabolism. Additionally, maintaining muscle mass has been linked to a lower risk of mortality.

    The researchers aimed to evaluate how different obesity treatments influence fat mass and fat-free mass over time. Fat mass refers to the body’s fat content, while fat-free mass includes muscles, bones, and other tissues. Higher proportions of fat are associated with greater health risks, whereas a higher ratio of fat-free mass tends to be linked to increased survival rates.

    Data from over 3,000 patients formed the basis of the analysis. Some of these patients had bariatric surgery between 2017 and 2022, while others were treated with newer GLP-1 receptor agonist medications—such as semaglutide and tirzepatide—between 2018 and 2023. These drugs work by suppressing appetite and promoting satiation to aid weight loss.

    The study populations were selected to include adults aged 18 to 65, excluding individuals with certain severe health issues to ensure more precise results. Researchers used bioelectrical impedance analysis—a technique estimating body composition based on electrical conductivity, which takes into account factors like height, weight, age, and medical history.

    Over a span of two years, both groups exhibited similar patterns: significant fat reduction accompanied by only a slight decrease in fat-free mass. This resulted in an overall favorable change in body composition, with a healthier balance of muscle to fat.

    Gender differences also emerged. Men tended to retain more muscle mass during weight loss, while women experienced marginally higher losses in lean tissue. These findings suggest that sex may influence how body composition responds to treatment.

    The results emphasize that effective obesity management should focus not solely on weight loss but also on preserving muscle tissue for overall health. Simply reducing weight isn’t enough; the quality of weight lost is equally important.

    The study has some limitations, as it was based on real-world health records rather than controlled clinical trials, which reduces the ability to establish cause-and-effect relationships. Additionally, the body composition measurement method used provides estimates rather than exact figures.

    In summary, both surgical and pharmaceutical interventions can enhance body composition, but attention must be paid to muscle preservation. Future research could explore combining these treatments with targeted exercise and nutrition strategies to optimize lean mass retention.

    Ultimately, this study underscores that improving body composition—reducing fat while maintaining or increasing muscle—is key to long-term health. More personalized approaches are necessary to maximize treatment benefits and patient outcomes.