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A new study published by Cleveland Clinic researchers in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism investigating the genetic underpinnings of weight loss response has identified a gene, neurobeachin (NBEA), as a predictor of how individuals respond to GLP-1RAs, the class of medications behind popular treatments like liraglutide and semaglutide.

While GLP-1RAs have shown promise in helping individuals lose weight, their effectiveness varies widely. This study, which analyzed large-scale real-world data from the NIH All of Us cohort and the UK Biobank, discovered that individuals with certain genetic variations of NBEA—a gene encoding a protein kinase A anchor protein—are significantly more likely to experience substantial weight loss—or, conversely, non-responsiveness—when prescribed GLP-1RAs.

Key findings include:

This research paves the way for personalized obesity treatment strategies, allowing health care providers to use genetic insights to identify patients most likely to benefit from GLP-1RA medications.

More information: Arshiya Mariam‐Smith et al, Neurobeachin (NBEA) is a novel gene associated with GLP‐1 receptor agonist associated weight loss, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism (2025). DOI: 10.1111/dom.16612