Ozempic tongue? Weight Loss Drugs Can Influence Taste Sensitivity
A recent study has revealed that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may significantly influence taste sensitivity and alter the brain’s response to sweet foods. This groundbreaking discovery suggests that these drugs could help drive weight loss by changing how the brain perceives taste.
The Role of Semaglutide in Taste Perception
Semaglutide, known under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist initially used to treat type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. However, its effects on reducing appetite and slowing digestion have made it a popular weight loss medication. A new study has found that semaglutide also influences taste sensitivity and how the brain responds to sweet tastes, potentially contributing to its weight loss effects.
The study, led by Mojca Jensterle Sever, PhD, from the University Medical Centre in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and presented at ENDO 2024, highlights that semaglutide affects gene expression in the tongue related to taste perception. This discovery adds another layer to understanding how semaglutide helps reduce appetite and drive weight loss.
Impact on Taste Sensitivity
Researchers recruited 30 women with obesity for the study, half of whom took semaglutide weekly while the other half received a placebo. Over 16 weeks, the study measured taste sensitivity, gene expression in the tongue, and brain responses using functional MRI scans. The results showed that those taking semaglutide were more sensitive to tastes than those taking the placebo.
Changes in the Brain
Functional MRI scans revealed increased activity in the angular gyrus of the parietal cortex when participants tasted a sweet solution. This brain region integrates sensory information and plays a role in shifting attention between rewarding and neutral stimuli. The presence of GLP-1 receptors in this area suggests that semaglutide may alter the sensation of reward linked to sweet tastes, supporting dietary changes and aiding in weight loss.
Who Should Take Semaglutide?
While semaglutide has shown impressive weight loss results, it is not suitable for everyone. It should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes psychotherapy, physical activity, and dietary advice. Semaglutide reduces appetite, and without a healthy, diverse diet, individuals may miss out on essential nutrients. Furthermore, it is a long-term prescription, and discontinuing it often leads to weight regain. Some users may experience side effects, which, while generally not severe, can be inconvenient.
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