Scientists identify brainstem neurons that signal when to stop eating, a breakthrough in obesity treatment

Discovery that could change lives

Scientists have identified a specific group of neurons in the brainstem that are responsible for signaling when a person should stop eating. The discovery paves the way for new treatments for obesity, a disease that affects more than 1 billion people worldwide.

Key Players in the Discovery

Research teams from institutions including Harvard University, Stanford University, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) focused on GCG-expressing neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). These neurons respond to signals from the gut by releasing hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to regulate appetite.

How it works

When food enters the stomach, the gut releases GLP-1, activating neurons in the brainstem that reduce hunger. Newer drugs, such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), mimic this process, helping people lose weight without extreme dieting.

Cost and availability

Drugs based on this discovery vary in price:

Wegovy (semaglutide) – ~$1,349 per month

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) – ~$1,023 per month

While expensive, ongoing research is aimed at developing more affordable alternatives.

What the experts say

Dr. Michael Schwartz (University of Washington): “This discovery helps us understand how the brain controls appetite at a deeper level.”

Dr. Caroline Apovian (Harvard Medical School): “Targeting these neurons could revolutionize obesity treatment by reducing the reliance on willpower alone.”

Patients: Many report significant weight loss and improved health, but some experience side effects like nausea.

The Future of Obesity Treatment

Thanks to ongoing research and advances in precision medicine, scientists are working on more effective and affordable treatments. This discovery not only helps fight obesity, but also improves metabolism worldwide.