Taste Changes linked to Appetite Control in Obesity Drug Users, New Study Finds
Vienna, October 8, 2025 – Alterations in taste perception may play a role in how medications used to treat obesity and overweight regulate appetite, according to a new study from the Center for Public Health at the Medical University of Vienna.Published today in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, the research suggests sensory changes could be an additional factor contributing to the effectiveness of incretin-based therapies.
the study analyzed data from 411 adults undergoing treatment with semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro) – both glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) or drugs influencing glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). these medications work by intervening in appetite regulation to support weight loss.
Researchers found that over half of participants reported reduced appetite,and approximately two-thirds experienced increased feelings of fullness.Notably, around 20% of participants reported changes in their ability to taste, particularly with sweet and salty flavors.Statistical analysis revealed a correlation between heightened sweet taste perception and increased satiety, decreased appetite, and reduced food cravings. Similarly, increased perception of salty taste was also linked to greater satiety.
“The results of our study suggest that changes in sensory perception during therapy could play a role in appetite regulation,” said Ali Kapan and Richard Felsinger, who led the research at MedUni Vienna. however, the study, based on an online survey, did not establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship between taste changes and weight loss.
Obesity affects over two billion adults globally and increases the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease. GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists are increasingly used alongside lifestyle interventions to manage obesity by influencing hormonal signaling pathways related to hunger and fullness. The impact of these drugs on taste perception and its contribution to treatment success are currently under intensive investigation.
Publication: Diabetes,Obesity and Metabolism
Title: Real-world insights into incretin-based therapy: Associations between changes in taste perception and appetite regulation in individuals with obesity and overweight: A cross-sectional study.
Authors: Ali Kapan, Othmar Moser, richard Felsinger, Thomas Waldhoer, Sandra Haider.
DOI: 10.1111/Dom.16548
