How genetic analysis can help explain which people will benefit most and least from GLP-1 medications

By effectively controlling blood sugar and body weight, GLP-1 medications have revolutionized the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity and help to protect individuals from developing cardiovascular disease. However, not everyone responds to GLP-1s in the same way. Around 10% of people do not lose any weight, and some only experience weight loss initially, before their body weight plateaus. These differences may be explained by genetic factors.

In this study, scientists are searching for genetic predictors of weight loss among ~10,000 Kaiser Permanente Research Bank participants who were prescribed a GLP-1. Identifying genetic differences between people who lost weight and people who didn’t may help us better understand which treatment is best for each person; this is known as precision medicine. This kind of testing could streamline and improve treatment for diabetes and obesity. These discoveries could also shed light on the biological mechanisms that allow effective GLP-1 treatment. This understanding will improve scientists’ and physicians’ understanding of diseases and inform the design of next-generation treatments.