If you aren't losing weight with GLP-1 drugs, this may be one reason why

[Zorro]

Two genes involved in gut hormones that influence appetite and digestion may be a factor in how people respond to the weight loss drugs, according to a new study.

The GLP-1 weight loss drugs revolutionizing the treatment of obesity, diabetes and a slew of other diseases come with a major caveat: They don’t work for everyone.

Some people experience profound weight loss; others barely see the scale budge. Some tolerate the drugs, but others experience nausea and vomiting so unpleasant that they stop taking them. In clinical trials, around 10 to 15 percent of the people who take the drugs are considered “non-responders” because they did not lose at least 5 percent of their body weight.

A new study published Wednesday in the journal Nature finds that part of the reason people’s responses to the drugs vary so widely may be in their DNA.

Researchers at the nonprofit 23andMe Research Institute pinpointed two versions of genes that help predict whether people will lose a few extra pounds on the drugs or will be more prone to nausea and vomiting. Genetics are only one piece of how people respond to GLP-1s, but when coupled with other factors, such as age, sex and other medical conditions, the researchers created a model to predict the potential weight loss benefit and risk of side effects.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/04/08/glp1-gene-weight-loss-response-side-effects/

[LymphocyteLover]

1. makes sense! A lot of drugs don't work properly due to genetic reasons