Danish Scientists Discover New Target That Could Lead to Breakthrough in Weight Loss and Diabetes Treatment

Scientists with the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new weight loss drug candidate that lowers appetite while avoiding side effects seen with current weight loss drugs, including loss of muscle mass, nausea and vomiting. And, unlike current treatments, the drug increases the body’s capacity to burn calories (energy expenditure). The discovery could lead to a new treatment option for people with both obesity and type 2 diabetes who do not respond well to current therapies, said the researchers.

The number of people seeking medical treatments for obesity has increased rapidly in recent years, with GLP-1 hormone-based treatments such as Wegovy and Ozempic being among the most popular. However, side effects of these medications can include vomiting, nausea and loss of muscle, prompting many people stop taking the drugs.