A new study seeks to minimize nausea from popular slimming jabs.
Topics covered
In recent years, weight-loss injections have gained significant attention, particularly since the approval of semaglutide by Scottish health authorities in late 2023. These injections, marketed under names like Wegovy and Ozempic, have been heralded for their ability to help individuals reduce food intake by acting on the brain.
However, the popularity of these treatments is tempered by reports of unpleasant side effects, with approximately 40% of patients experiencing nausea and vomiting, leading some to discontinue their use.
Understanding the challenges of slimming jabs
The adverse effects associated with weight-loss injections pose a significant barrier to their widespread adoption.
Many patients find the side effects intolerable, which raises concerns about the long-term efficacy of these treatments. In response to this pressing issue, a research team at the Rowett Institute of Aberdeen University, in collaboration with University College London, has embarked on a groundbreaking project aimed at mitigating these side effects. Funded by the Medical Research Council with a budget of £1.2 million, the initiative is spearheaded by Professor Lora Heisler and Professor Stefan Trapp.
Innovative approaches to obesity treatment
Professor Heisler emphasizes the potential for new drug formulations that could target the brain’s mechanisms more effectively, thereby reducing side effects like nausea. The research team is particularly interested in how semaglutide and similar drugs, such as tirzepatide, can be modified to enhance their therapeutic benefits while minimizing discomfort. This could lead to the development of oral medications, making treatments more accessible and cost-effective for patients.
Exploring the brain’s role in weight management
Recent discoveries by the Rowett Institute team have identified specific clusters of brain cells that play a crucial role in regulating food intake and body weight. Over the next three years, the researchers will delve deeper into the mechanisms of semaglutide, investigating its influence on meal sizes, food choices, and the physiological responses that lead to nausea. By filling the gaps in our understanding of how these drugs operate within the brain, the team hopes to pave the way for more effective obesity treatments with fewer side effects.
Professor Trapp notes that while semaglutide has shown promise in aiding weight loss and managing diabetes, the exact workings of these drugs in the brain remain largely unknown. His lab’s extensive research on the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) will be instrumental in mapping the drug’s mechanisms, potentially leading to the creation of next-generation obesity medications.
The implications of this research are profound, not only for individuals struggling with weight management but also for the healthcare system as a whole. By developing treatments that are both effective and bear fewer side effects, the research team aims to enhance the quality of life for many patients and contribute to a more sustainable approach to obesity treatment.
