July 30,2024

Potential Breakthrough in Obesity Drugs: Targeting Brain Neurons to Avoid Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect of obesity and Type 2 diabetes medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, often leading some users to discontinue their use. However, scientists at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia have discovered a collection of neurons in the brains of mice that may promote weight loss without causing nausea.

The researchers suggest that obesity drug developers should focus on the nucleus tractus solitarius, a crucial brainstem structure that processes taste information. Amber L. Alhadeff, the senior study author and assistant member at Monell, stated, "Developing experimental obesity drugs that selectively activate this population may promote weight loss while avoiding aversive side effects."