{"id":13011,"date":"2026-04-29T15:11:02","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T14:11:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ingeno.it\/2026\/04\/29\/glp-1-weight-loss-drugs-and-dna-why-they-dont-work-the-same-way-for-everyone\/"},"modified":"2026-06-24T11:05:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T10:05:13","slug":"glp-1-weight-loss-drugs-and-dna-why-they-dont-work-the-same-way-for-everyone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ingeno.it\/en\/2026\/04\/29\/glp-1-weight-loss-drugs-and-dna-why-they-dont-work-the-same-way-for-everyone\/","title":{"rendered":"GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs and DNA: Why They Don&#8217;t Work the Same Way for Everyone."},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;12608&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_column_text]In recent years, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have revolutionized the treatment of overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. However, those who use them know full well that results vary from person to person. <\/p>\n<p>Some people lose weight quickly, others see more modest results, some tolerate the treatment well, and others experience nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal problems. The question many people ask is simple: <strong>why does this happen?<\/strong> <\/p>\n<p>Part of the answer may lie in our <strong>DNA<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why do some people respond better to GLP-1?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>GLP-1 medications mimic the action of a natural hormone produced by the intestine, <strong>glucagon-like peptide-1<\/strong>, which plays a role in regulating hunger, blood glucose levels, and gastric emptying.<\/p>\n<p>The main agents are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>by increasing the feeling of fullness<\/li>\n<li>by reducing appetite<\/li>\n<li>slowing down digestion<\/li>\n<li>improving glycemic control<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, the human body does not react in exactly the same way in every individual. In addition to diet, physical activity, age, sex, and metabolic status, <strong>an individual\u2019s genetics<\/strong> can also influence the therapeutic response. <\/p>\n<p><strong>The study: more than 27,000 people analyzed<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A major study published in <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/41951734\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2026 in *Nature*<\/a> analyzed genetic and clinical data from more than <strong>27,800 users of GLP-1 medications<\/strong>, identifying genetic variants associated with:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>greater weight loss<\/li>\n<li>lower therapeutic efficacy<\/li>\n<li>increased risk of nausea and vomiting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This is one of the first major <strong>pharmacogenetics<\/strong> studies <strong>focusing on GLP-1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The genes involved: GLP1R and GIPR<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>  GLP1R gene<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The <strong>GLP1R<\/strong> gene encodes the receptor targeted by drugs such as semaglutide. Certain genetic variants of this gene appear to be associated with: <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>best weight-loss solution<\/li>\n<li>greater average weight loss<\/li>\n<li>a higher likelihood of nausea in some individuals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In practice, the receptor may be more or less \u201csensitive\u201d to the drug.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>  GIPR Gene<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The <strong>GIPR<\/strong> gene is of particular interest for dual agonist drugs such as tirzepatide, which act on both the GLP-1 and GIP systems.<\/p>\n<p>Certain genetic variants have been found to be associated with:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects<\/li>\n<li>differing tolerance to treatment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What does that mean in practice?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Today, in most cases, GLP-1 prescriptions follow standard clinical criteria:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>BMI<\/li>\n<li>presence of diabetes<\/li>\n<li>insulin resistance<\/li>\n<li>metabolic syndrome<\/li>\n<li>cardiovascular comorbidities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>But in the future, we may have more precise medicine, in which genetic testing helps us understand:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Before starting treatment:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>high response rate<\/li>\n<li>risk of side effects<\/li>\n<li>selection of the most appropriate medication<\/li>\n<li>Realistic Weight Loss Expectations<\/li>\n<li>dose adjustment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This approach is part of <strong>personalized medicine<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Role of InGeno Genetic Testing<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In the world of metabolism and body weight, DNA does not determine one&#8217;s fate, but it can provide very useful information.<\/p>\n<p>Through targeted genetic testing, it is possible to identify variants associated with:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>tendency to gain weight<\/li>\n<li>Emotional Hunger and Satiety<\/li>\n<li>carbohydrate and lipid metabolism<\/li>\n<li>response to physical activity<\/li>\n<li>insulin sensitivity<\/li>\n<li>metabolic inflammation<\/li>\n<li>potential response to future treatment strategies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The goal is not to \u201cpredict everything,\u201d but <strong>to better tailor clinical and nutritional decisions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>GLP-1s aren&#8217;t magic<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Even with the best possible genetics, no medication can replace:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>proper nutrition<\/li>\n<li>physical exercise<\/li>\n<li>adequate sleep<\/li>\n<li>stress management<\/li>\n<li>continuity of care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Genetics, however, can help reduce the traditional \u201ctrial-and-error\u201d approach.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>New studies confirm that <strong>not everyone responds to GLP-1 medications in the same way<\/strong>, and part of the explanation lies in our DNA.<\/p>\n<p>In the coming years, it will become increasingly likely to integrate:<\/p>\n<p><strong>clinical evaluation + metabolic tests + lifestyle + genetics<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>to choose the most effective and sustainable weight-loss strategy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do you want to better understand your metabolism?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>With InGeno genetic testing, you can get personalized information about your metabolic profile, your predisposition to body weight, and the nutritional strategies that are best suited for you.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ingeno.it\/en\/ingeno360\/\"><strong>Find out what InGeno can do for you.<\/strong><\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; 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