Ozempic and GLP-1 weight loss drugs ‘less effective’ for one eating issue, according to Kyoto University study

Emotional eaters are less likely to see results from weight loss drugs such as Ozempic compared to those motivated by sight and smell, new research suggests.

A study of type two diabetes patients carried out by Japanese scientists sought to identify the role relationship to food has on the success of GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic.

Researchers studied the diet, eating behaviour, blood sugar and weight loss of 92 diabetes patients taking GLP-1 medication over 12 months, in a bid to find out why some people responded better than others.

It found those who overeat to manage their emotions did not respond as well to weight loss drugs as those who eat too much “in response to seeing and smelling tasty food”.

The latter group “experienced more significant weight loss than individuals who ate in response to negative emotions”.

Lead author Professor Daisuke Yabe, from Kyoto University, said GLP-1 receptor agonists could be a lifeline, but it was important to know why not everyone benefited equally.

“Pre-treatment assessment of eating behaviour patterns may help predict who will benefit most from GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy,” he said.

“GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective for individuals who experience weight gain or elevated blood glucose levels due to overeating triggered by external stimuli. However, their effectiveness is less expected in cases where emotional eating is the primary cause.”

The research, published in Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare, focused on three different eating behaviours associated with weight gain, emotional eating, external eating and restrained eating.

While all participants lost weight throughout the year, results differed based on behaviours. By the 12 month mark, restrained and emotional eating behaviours returned to baseline levels.

“One possible explanation is that emotional eating is more strongly influenced by psychological factors which may not be directly addressed by GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy,” second author Dr Takehiro Kato said.

“Individuals with prominent emotional eating tendencies may require additional behavioral or psychological support.”

He stressed the findings were preliminary and further research was necessary.