A new NIH-funded study has found that some oral GLP-1 drugs may influence the brain in a way that goes beyond appetite control, according to ScienceDaily.
Researchers at the University of Virginia studied small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonists, including the FDA-approved oral drug orforglipron and the experimental compound danuglipron. In mice, the medications reduced hedonic feeding, or eating for enjoyment rather than to meet the body’s energy needs.
The team found that the drugs activated the central amygdala, a brain region linked to reward and desire, in addition to areas already associated with appetite regulation. They also saw reduced dopamine release in parts of the brain’s reward system while the mice were eating for pleasure.
According to the researchers, this suggests oral GLP-1 medications may dampen pleasurable food cravings as well as hunger-driven eating. They say future studies will explore whether the drugs could also have an effect on substance use disorder.
The study was supported by several NIH institutes and grants, and the researchers noted that it was not a clinical trial and has not been reviewed by the FDA for approval for the stated uses.
