Trending Now - Genetic Factors Influence Weight Loss Outcomes From GLP-1 Medications

WHO:

Nature - Participants in the study were recruited from the customer base of 23andMe.

The Guardian - Researchers from 23andMe, a nonprofit medical research institute, conducted the study.

The Guardian - Marie Spreckley, an obesity expert at the University of Cambridge, commented on the study.

WHAT:

Nature - The study found that participants carrying one copy of the GLP1 receptor variant rs10305420 lost an average of 0.76 kilograms more over a median of 8 months of treatment compared to non-carriers, while those with two copies lost approximately 1.5 kilograms more.

The Guardian - The study suggests that genetic differences may contribute to the variability in responses to weight-loss jabs, although the overall impact of genetics appeared to be modest.

The Guardian - The researchers noted that non-genetic factors such as sex, drug type, dose, and duration of treatment explain a substantially larger proportion of variability in weight loss outcomes.

Nature - The study analyzed data from 27,885 patients on GLP1 drugs, with a focus on the efficacy and side effects of these medications.

The Guardian - The GLP1 receptor variant rs10305420 was associated with an average weight loss of 0.76 kilograms more over a median of 8 months of treatment for those carrying one copy of the variant, and approximately 1.5 kilograms more for those with two copies.

Nature - The study focused on six drug varieties: Ozempic, Wegovy, compounded semaglutide, Mounjaro, Zepbound, and compounded tirzepatide.

Nature - The study defined a percentage BMI change phenotype as the contrast between pre-treatment BMI and post-treatment BMI, with a specific formula for calculation.

Nature - The study applied quality control filters that removed 80 participants (0.29%) based on specific weight and height criteria.

Nature - The final GWAS sample size for participants of European ancestry was 15,237 after filtering for relatedness.

Nature - The study included a replication analysis in the All of Us cohort, which involved 4,889 participants with complete data.

Nature - The study analyzed data from 27,885 patients on GLP1 drugs.

The Guardian - Variations in two genes involved in gut hormone pathways were found to influence weight-loss results and side effects from GLP1 medications.

The Guardian - The GLP1 receptor variant rs10305420 was associated with slightly more weight loss in carriers compared to non-carriers.

The Guardian - The variant rs1800437 was linked to nausea and vomiting in people taking tirzepatide but not to weight loss.

WHERE:

Nature - The study was conducted using data from participants who provided informed consent online.

The Guardian - The research involved participants from the customer base of 23andMe.

WHEN:

The Guardian - The findings were published in the journal Nature on April 6th, 2026.

Nature - The 23andMe GLP1 survey was launched in August 2024.

The Guardian - The findings were published in the journal Nature on April 6th, 2026.

WHY:

The Guardian - The study aimed to understand why weight-loss jabs work better for some individuals than others and to explore the role of genetics in treatment outcomes.

HOW:

Nature - The study utilized a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to analyze genetic factors influencing weight loss and side effects, with a final GWAS sample size of 15,237 participants of European ancestry.

Nature - The study utilized a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to analyze the genetic factors influencing weight loss and side effects, with a final GWAS sample size of 15,237 participants of European ancestry.

Nature - DNA extraction and genotyping were performed by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified and College of American Pathologists-accredited laboratories using five different genotyping platforms.

Nature - Participants provided data on drug brand, dosing regimen, time on treatment, efficacy, side effects, and reasons for pursuing or stopping GLP1 treatment.

Nature - The study utilized a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to analyze the genetic factors influencing weight loss and side effects.

Nature - DNA extraction and genotyping were performed on saliva samples by accredited clinical laboratories.

(UPDATED April 9, 2026 21:11 UTC)

A new study published in Nature reveals that participants carrying one copy of the GLP1 receptor variant rs10305420 lost an average of 0.76 kilograms more over eight months of treatment, while those with two copies lost about 1.5 kilograms more. The research suggests that while genetic differences may play a role in weight-loss responses, non-genetic factors like sex, drug type, dose, and treatment duration account for a much larger portion of variability in outcomes. Conducted with a genome-wide association study involving over 15,000 participants of European ancestry, the findings highlight the complex interplay between genetics and other factors in weight loss.

(UPDATED April 9, 2026 09:18 UTC)

A recent study published in the journal Nature on Monday, analyzed data from nearly 28,000 patients on GLP1 drugs, focusing on their efficacy and side effects. Researchers found that the GLP1 receptor variant rs10305420 was linked to an average weight loss of 0.76 kilograms over eight months for those with one copy of the variant, and about 1.5 kilograms more for individuals with two copies. The study employed a genome-wide association study, or GWAS, which included a final sample size of over 15,000 participants of European ancestry to explore the genetic factors affecting weight loss and side effects.

(UPDATED April 9, 2026 07:19 UTC)

A new study published in Nature examined six drug varieties, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, focusing on changes in body mass index before and after treatment. The research involved a final sample size of 15,237 participants of European ancestry after applying quality control filters, which removed 80 individuals based on specific weight and height criteria, and included a replication analysis with nearly 5,000 participants from the All of Us cohort. DNA extraction and genotyping were conducted by certified laboratories using five different genotyping platforms to ensure accuracy in the findings.

(UPDATED April 9, 2026 01:22 UTC)

A recent study published in the journal Nature reveals that variations in two genes related to gut hormone pathways can significantly influence the effectiveness and side effects of GLP1 medications for weight loss. Researchers from 23andMe analyzed data from nearly 28,000 patients, discovering that the GLP1 receptor variant rs10305420 is linked to slightly greater weight loss, while another variant, rs1800437, is associated with nausea and vomiting in those taking tirzepatide. The study, which involved participants from the 23andMe customer base, aimed to understand the genetic factors that contribute to varying treatment outcomes and was based on data collected through an online survey launched in August 20th24.