Why Ozempic Works for Some Patients but Not Others—Genetics Holds the Key
Weight-loss injections like Ozempic and similar drugs do not work equally well for everyone. New research shows that genetic differences play a major role in how effective these treatments are. A study led by Arshiya Mariam-Smith at the Cleveland Clinic has identified a specific gene that helps explain why some patients lose significant weight while others see little to no change. The study focused on the NBEA gene, which contains 2,873 distinct variants. Each variant differs by tiny mutations in a single DNA base. These small changes affect how the body responds to GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide and liraglutide. The discovery of the NBEA gene’s role in weight-loss drug effectiveness opens the door to more tailored obesity treatments. Screening for genetic variants could help match patients with the most suitable therapies. For now, further research is needed to refine how these genetic insights can be applied in clinical practice.
