Incretin Therapies Linked to Altered Taste Perception & Appetite Changes
A recent study investigated the effects of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro on patients, revealing that these incretin-based therapies are associated with changes in how individuals perceive taste, alongside reductions in appetite and increased feelings of fullness. The research utilized self-reported data on height,weight,and subjective experiences before and during treatment.
The study found significant reductions in Body Mass Index (BMI) across all three medications, adjusted for treatment duration, dosage, baseline BMI, age, and sex: 17.4% with Ozempic, 17.6% with Wegovy, and 15.5% with Mounjaro.
Notably, a substantial portion of participants reported alterations in their sense of taste. Approximately 21.3% experienced food as sweeter, and 22.6% perceived food as saltier than before treatment. Perceptions of bitterness and sourness remained unchanged. Wegovy users were more likely to report increased saltiness (26.7%) compared to those on Ozempic (16.2%) and Mounjaro (15.2%). Sweetness increases were reported at similar rates across all groups (Wegovy 19.4%,Ozempic 21.6%, Mounjaro 21.7%).
Alongside taste changes, the medications demonstrably impacted appetite and satiety. Over half of participants (58.4%) reported a general decrease in hunger (Ozempic: 62.1%, Wegovy: 54.4%,Mounjaro: 56.5%). Furthermore, 63.5% reported increased satiety – feeling full sooner (Ozempic: 58.8%, Wegovy: 66.8%, Mounjaro: 63.1%). Mounjaro users showed the most significant reduction in food cravings,with 41.3% reporting a substantial decrease in intensity, compared to 34.1% of Wegovy users and 29.7% of Ozempic users.
Further analysis revealed a correlation between altered taste perception and appetite/satiety.Participants reporting increased sweetness were twice as likely to experience increased satiety. They were also 67% more likely to report reduced appetite and 85% more likely to report reduced cravings, compared to those whose sweetness perception remained unchanged. Similarly, those perceiving increased saltiness were 2.17 times more likely to report increased satiety.
Researchers, including Professor Moser, suggest these drugs impact areas of the brain and gut controlling hunger, and also taste bud cells and brain regions processing taste and reward.This could explain the altered flavor perception. However, the study found no direct link between changes in taste perception and reduction in BMI, suggesting weight loss is a complex process influenced by multiple factors including metabolism, long-term eating habits, and physical activity.
The study acknowledges limitations including reliance on self-reported data,inability to establish causation,and potential for participant bias. Professor Moser suggests monitoring taste changes could offer valuable insights into treatment response, even beyond weight loss, and perhaps inform tailored dietary advice for patients.