Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro: New Obesity Drug Findings Announced
- A study has found that obesity drugs can alter taste sensations, which affects appetite.
- Participants perceived food as sweeter or saltier, which accelerated satiety
- Changes in taste did not have a direct impact on lowering BMI.
These are the conclusions of a study published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
The study was conducted among 411 overweight and obese individuals who had been taking one of three GLP-1 analogues for at least three months. The average duration of treatment ranged from 40 to 47 weeks. Of the participants, 148 took Ozempic, 217 took Wegovy, and 46 took Mounjaro. The average BMI reduction in Ozempic was 17.4%, in Wegovy—17.6%, and in Mounjaro—15.5%.
During treatment, approximately one-fifth of the subjects reported that food tasted sweeter (21.3%) than before treatment. A very similar percentage reported that food tasted saltier (22.6%). However, no changes were observed in their perception of bitter and sour tastes. Patients taking Wegovy most frequently reported altered taste perceptions.
Most study participants also noticed changes in their appetite. 58.4% reported feeling less hungry and 63.5% reported feeling full faster. Over 41% of those taking Mounjaro reported a significant reduction in cravings for specific foods, compared to 34.1% of those taking Wegovy and 29.7% of those taking Ozempic.
"These drugs act not only in the gut and the brain's hunger center, but also influence taste bud cells and brain regions responsible for taste and reward. Therefore, they can alter the intensity of food perception, which influences appetite," explained the study's lead author , Prof. Othmar Moser from the University of Bayreuth (Germany).
Further analyses revealed a relationship between changes in taste sensation, appetite, and satiety. Participants who experienced sweeter food after the therapy were twice as likely to report increased satiety compared to those who did not experience such a change. They were 67 percent more likely to report a decrease in appetite, and 85 percent more likely to report fewer cravings for specific foods.
However, scientists have not demonstrated a direct link between changes in taste perception and a reduction in body mass index (BMI). They believe this is because taste is only one of many factors influencing weight loss.
"Taste can influence how satisfying food seems to us, and therefore appetite control. However, weight loss also depends on metabolism, long-term eating habits, and physical activity," explained Professor Moser .
The study authors emphasize that their observations may help doctors better tailor therapy for people with obesity and provide personalized nutritional advice.
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