What's Happening?
At the Society for Neuroscience meeting, researchers discussed efforts to develop weight-loss drugs that avoid the nausea associated with current GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy and Zepbound. These drugs mimic
a hormone that reduces appetite but often cause severe nausea and vomiting. Scientists are exploring ways to target specific brain areas to suppress appetite without inducing nausea, potentially leading to new treatments for weight loss and substance use disorders.
Why It's Important?
The development of weight-loss drugs that minimize side effects is crucial for improving patient adherence and outcomes. Current GLP-1 agonists are effective in reducing weight but are often discontinued due to unpleasant side effects. By understanding the brain areas involved in appetite and nausea, researchers can design drugs that target the desired effects while avoiding negative ones. This research could lead to more effective weight-loss treatments and provide insights into the brain's role in appetite and addiction.
