Popular weight-loss drugs in the GLP-1 class alter patients' perception of food taste. Scientists have found that the cause lies not in the taste receptors but in the brain's responses, reports infohub.kz.
Taking the popular class of drugs for weight loss and diabetes treatment, GLP-1 (including semaglutide), is often accompanied by changes in food perception: patients report a reduced interest in sweet or fatty foods. Researchers conducted a special analysis to determine whether the drugs change the physiological sensitivity of the tongue's taste buds.
The results showed that GLP-1 drugs do not directly impair or transform the function of taste buds. The changes occur at the level of the central nervous system. GLP-1 receptor agonists affect neural circuits in the brain responsible for the reward system, appetite, and satiety.
As a result, food that previously brought great pleasure begins to seem less appealing to patients. The brain stops forming the usual response to calorie-dense foods. Scientists emphasize that understanding this mechanism will help better adapt dietary recommendations for people taking these medications.
Important information: This material is for informational purposes only and is not a guide to action. Drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and their analogs are serious prescription medications that have a wide range of contraindications and side effects. Using these medications without a doctor's prescription can cause serious harm to your health. Before starting any treatment or taking any medication, be sure to consult a qualified physician.