Overview
- A peer-reviewed Nature study published Wednesday analyzed 27,885 23andMe users on semaglutide or tirzepatide and scanned their genomes to map drug response and side effects.
- A common missense variant in GLP1R was tied to more weight loss, averaging about 0.76 kilograms of extra loss per copy over roughly eight months.
- Genetic differences in GLP1R and GIPR were linked to nausea and vomiting, with the GIPR signal appearing only in people taking tirzepatide.
- Researchers and outside experts said the genetic effects are real but modest and that factors like age, sex, drug type, dose, and time on therapy explain much more of the outcome, so routine prescribing should not change yet.
- 23andMe also launched a Total Health member report and interactive tool based on the findings, as researchers call for broader clinical validation in more diverse populations beyond the largely European, self-reported cohort.