A newly developed compound could potentially promote weight loss much better than Ozempic.
A study by the University of Michigan, in partnership with Ozempic-maker Novo Nordisk, found that a group of brain cells in a mice's hypothalamus has receptors for both leptin and GLP-1 that when tapped, could promote better appetite suppression and weight loss.
Leptin is a hormone that helps maintain weight. It is released by the body to tell the brain that it has enough fat stored and to reduce appetite, the Cleveland Clinic explained. As for Glucagon-like peptide 1, GLP-1 are hormone in charge of making the body feel full after eating.
Previous tests showed that treatments mimicking leptin don't cause weight loss. However, the new research found that when leptin is activated with another weight loss agent like GLP-1, it could be much more effective.
With this, the researchers created a molecule that could activate the receptors of leptin and GLP-1, leading to significantly better effects.
“Leptin augments weight loss when used in combination with other weight loss agents,” the researchers wrote in their paper published Wednesday.
“This observation suggests that using leptin as part of combinatorial therapies represents a potential approach to the more efficacious treatment of obesity.”
Despite the remarkable results, the researchers have not determined if the same group of neurons is found in human brains, and if the compound can replicate the same weight control effects.
According to data from KFF, one in eight American adults has taken a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic or Wegovy. One in five users say they use the drug for weight loss.
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