Exploring Genetics and GLP-1: Unveiling the Connection Between DNA and Appetite Suppression Drugs

Join Dr. Tiffany Montgomery and co-host Nick Cuevas in a riveting episode of Demystifying DNA, titled "Exploring Genetics and GLP-1: Unveiling the Connection Between DNA and Appetite Suppression Drugs." This episode embarks on an enlightening journey to uncover how our genetic makeup influences the effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists, a class of medications used for appetite suppression and weight management. Dr. Montgomery, an experienced scientist and epidemiologist, teams up with Nick Cuevas to explore the scientific breakthroughs that are transforming our approach to weight loss and metabolic health.

The discussion highlights the role of pharmacogenomics in tailoring GLP-1 medication plans to an individual's genetic profile, offering a glimpse into the future of personalized medicine. Through engaging dialogue, the episode breaks down complex genetic interactions, making the science behind GLP-1 medications and appetite control both accessible and compelling.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the emerging connections between GLP-1 medications, originally used for diabetes and obesity treatment, and their potential effects on mental health. The episode also addresses the broader implications of integrating genetic testing into mainstream healthcare, touching on financial complexities and the role of insurance in personalized medicine.

This episode of Demystifying DNA is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of genetics, medicine, and wellness. It promises to enlighten and inspire, pushing the boundaries of what we know about DNA's role in health and weight management. Join us as we simplify the science and explore the fascinating world of GLP-1 and genetics.

Transcript

P23 Theme: 0:04

P23 Knowledge, access, power. P23, wellness and Understanding at your fingertips P23. And that's no cap.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 0:20

Welcome back to Demystifying DNA, your trusted source for making the complexities of genetics understandable, simple and relevant to our health and lives. I'm your host and friend, Dr Tiffany Montgomery, scientist and epidemiologist and just that curious lady, joined by my co-host, Nick Cuevas, in today's episode Exploring Genetics in GLP 1, unveiling the connection between DNA and appetite suppression drugs. We're going to learn about how our genetic makeup affects the effectiveness of appetite suppression drugs. I'm so excited to have Nick join us again. Welcome, Nick.

Nick Cuevas: 1:17

Hi Doctor, how are you?

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 1:20

I am doing well, Nick. Thank you for joining us. I know that you are a health enthusiast and work out extraordinaire. Working out is just something that you're really good at, and you're motivated by weight loss. I know that you've lost 100 pounds of your own. Is that correct?

Nick Cuevas: 1:43

Yes, I did. It wasn't easy. I've learned a lot in that journey, but yes, I did lose a significant amount of weight and I am a health enthusiast, I guess. But it's more about feeling good, not really looking good at this point.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 2:00

I have to ask, Nick, did you use GLP 1s?

Nick Cuevas: 2:09

That's a great question. No, when I did it, I didn't even know it existed. It wasn't the thing that it is today. I've heard about it. Don't know much about it other than what I see in the tabloids. Yeah, I mean, from what I'm hearing, it's an incredible drug. I just don't know a lot about it.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 2:26

So I am going to enjoy talking to you tonight, but if you get 1,000 likes on this video, do you promise to come back and tell us how you lost 100 pounds?

Nick Cuevas: 2:42

Sure, I definitely will. I'll go in depth if we get 1,000 likes.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 2:47

If we get 1,000 likes, you're going to go in depth on how you lost 100 pounds. This will be straight up, no chasers. You solemnly promise to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. So help you God.

Nick Cuevas: 3:01

Oh, right, hand is raised Facts. I will even do it again on camera.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 3:08

Uh-oh, uh-oh, okay, okay, so to go to that, I'm going to really really push this video. Okay, all right, because I want to know. So let me tell you all. I don't even know all of the things that Nick did. I might know just a couple because I'm always poking him. But he is very I won't say secretive or private. But not about himself, he's all about everybody else and how everybody else is doing and feeling, and he's more into others than he is himself. So this will be fun If we could get into what's going on with Nick. I would love that episode.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 3:51

For this one we will explore the fascinating world of GLP 1s and its interactions with our DNA, and break down the scientific breakthroughs in a way that's accessible and easy to understand. We're here to simplify the science, uncovering how these discoveries are revolutionizing our approach to weight management and metabolic health. So join us today as we make the complex world of genetics easy to understand. Starting with today's topic on the GLP 1, medications and the genetic factors influencing appetite suppression, let's dive in. So, nick, you told us that you don't know much about GLP 1.

Nick Cuevas: 4:44

Yep, I don't know much. I just know that some celebrities are known for using it. It's been like a secret in the industry for a little while and it kind of popped off in the last year or two and it sounds very interesting because a lot of people that I know are using it. But I don't really know much about it.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 5:04

So I know recently in the news Oprah Winfrey revealed that she was using GLP 1s to maintain her weight.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 5:14

So she was on the red carpet when they released the color purple musical here recently and she looked incredible. So somebody asked her I believe it was a reporter or something, I'm not really sure but she was asked and she was honest and just came out and said I've been using a GLP 1 weight loss drug and that's my secret behind maintaining my weight loss. So with that, that's just one celebrity that I know has publicly said a lot of people we don't know, like, what they're doing. They won't tell us, they're like little nicks in the making. You know they won't say a word, but we are able to find out when they do disclose things like that and it's been all the buzz. So for me it was really important to help people understand what GLP 1s are and kind of what they stand for. We'll kind of talk about it and then if there are some questions or Something that you want me to go back and clear up, I want you to just go ahead and interrupt me and I already got some.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 6:23

Oh wow. How do you have questions and I haven't even told you what it is?

Nick Cuevas: 6:26

Well, is it GLP 1s? Is that like just a broad name of the drugs? There's different names for it or is it? Is that like a classification of the drug?

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 6:36

That's a great question. So that's a classification.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 6:39

Okay so it is a drug class. GLP 1 stands for Glucogon, like peptide one, which is a hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. Glp 1 agonist are a class of drugs that mimic the effect of this hormone and then are used in turn to treat type 2 diabetes and and obesity. So studies have found recently in the news that most weight loss drugs, including GLP 1 agonist, were linked to a lower likelihood of depression and anxiety diagnosis. There have been some studies recently with newer weight loss drugs that are GLP 1 agonist. So the ones that are more popular are the ones that Eli Lilly make, which are Wagovi and Ozympic. You hear a lot about that. They have been facing some supply shortages because so many people want those drugs. One of the other GLP 1s is a semi-glutide. So as you're driving down the street you may see signs that say we can give you semi-glutide or we have a semi-glutide compound for weight loss. Call this number. It's that popular now.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 8:01

Yeah and it used to be Years ago. You would see those signs for fennfin Before we kind of took fennfin off the market. There's also a new GLP 1 agonist, amg 133, that has showed some really promising results in a phase one clinical trial and it's been demonstrating significant weight loss with favorable safety profiles. So it may even be a safer weight loss option. But, as I stated, that's a phase one clinical trial, so usually clinical trials have to go through at least three phases before they're introduced to the mass public.

Nick Cuevas: 8:44

Okay, very interesting. Do you have information on how long it's been around, because I'm sure Oprah wasn't taking it like a year ago. Sounds like she's been taking it for quite a bit.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 8:56

Well GLP 1s have been used for weight loss for about the past four years at least that's it at least.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 9:04

It's become popular and you have to remember they were originally used to treat type 2 diabetes, so as people were taking insulin and that kind of thing. So how long has that been around? It's from studying the effects of the drug that we start to think about other use and other purposes. Here, especially in the US, obesity has become a major problem, a major issue. Then you bring into light COVID and the whole you know US population been under quarantine. It was almost like that freshman 15 magnified by you know five.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 9:44

So during the lockdown periods and during the periods of isolation and working from home and being remote, we used our bodies less. But guess what we did? We ate more. So whether it was door dash or uber eats or Whatever it was, or maybe we're home and so we're cooking as we're working from the computer, these are things that have caused us to gain weight. Our children gain weight Because they weren't doing recess and they weren't going out to school. Everybody's sitting at the computer all day long.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 10:13

So we Compounded our obesity problem and it was during that time that we developed the Ability or the understanding or the correlation to link those diabetes related drugs to Weight loss and the other things that they could do to help us. So with the GLP 1s, they're keeping that food in your belly longer, so you're eating, you're feeling full. We're activating those genes of fullness, those signals of fullness are going to your brain and then that food is moving slower through your body, so you're full for a longer period of time, you're not eating as much, which lowers your Calorie intake, so that you can burn more of those stored fats and calories that you have. Not only that, but it's become a safe way to wipe your appetite out.

Nick Cuevas: 11:07

Okay, so you're basically more satiated for a while. But let me ask you another question then. Since this basically Going through your digestive system slower, which I'm assuming that's why you're full for a longer period of time Is that necessarily good for you or bad for you, since it's slowing that process? Is there any data yet back on that?

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 11:29

So there there's a lot of data out and available. Glp1 agonists are a type of medication that mimics the effect of a natural hormone called Glucogon. Like peptide one, this hormone Naturally is naturally occurring. It's there. So what is happening is by taking this medicine, we're just increasing that amount of hormone that your body is recognizing. This helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production, insulin production, suppressing glucagon release and slowing down gastric emptying. So that's when we say your stomach feels full or longer. So when we slow gastric emptying it's going to slow that speed so that that food is not moving through as quick. That helps you because you're not trying to take in more food. You're not feeling like, oh, I'm still hungry, I'm still hungry, right.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 12:31

Yeah by doing so, your GLP 1 agonist can lower those blood sugar levels, reduce food intake and promote weight loss and people with type 2 diabetes and Obesity. Now there are side effects. The belief is that those side effects are reduced or minimal because we're simulating a natural Hormone that is occurring in your body anyway. Mm-hmm.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 13:07

You talked about that Satity, or feeling fuller longer. It is going to not only happen in your stomach but also in your brain because it's a hormone. So, as we're looking at Looking at what that entails or what that feels like for your body it's a natural process, that's already happening and it may help. Obesity is a complex condition and effective management might require several therapies. You might have a GLP one. We always recommend dietary changes and an exercise. There are behavior modification programs that you can participate in and also weight loss surgery. Glp 1s can be used in conjunction with any of these activities, and to have an effective weight loss program it's going to have to entail many parts and many pieces. But I have a feeling, Nick, I'm preaching to the choir and you know more than you're telling me. Hmm.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 14:17

So there are benefits and there are side effects. While I'm not a medical doctor, I am a research scientist, so I'm able to look at, understand and help clinicians understand what those benefits and side effects are so that they can weigh them out individually for each patient. So for your benefits, you could have a lower blood pressure, you could improve if you have certain lipid disorders, you could improve fatty liver disease, reduce your risk of heart disease and kidney disease and you could delay the progression of diabetes related neuropathy, which is common in a lot of diabetics. There are side effects, so you asked me about the side effects.

Nick Cuevas: 15:10

This is what I want to know.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 15:12

Some of the side effects we want, like loss of appetite, that's a side effect. Of course.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 15:16

Nasia, vomiting, diarrhea. Those might not be things that we enjoy, but you weigh out benefit versus risk. Other side effects could include dizziness, increased heart rate, infections, headaches, upset stomach, itchy skin. And then there are side effects that are more rare but also more severe, and those include pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer, sudden kidney injury and a worsening of diabetes related retinopathy. So if you already have diabetes, the inability to see or changes in your vision is what that is. Well, now, those are rare, but those are side effects that studies have shown and disclosed are possible when taking GLP 1s.

Nick Cuevas: 16:19

Sounds like one of those commercials that we used to see that would give you like a 30 second monologue on all the things that you could get while taking the prescription to something. Well, obviously people are. You know, those side effects aren't really on the plateau for them, because it's like one of the most popular things out right now. I mean, you hear about it everywhere right now, especially in the entertainment industry. You know, influencers, people on social media, they swear by it, Do you think? Well, first I want to know how does it tie into DNA and genetics, Because that I had no idea about.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 16:57

So great question, but the first thing we had to talk about and establish is what it is. Now let's get to the fun stuff. Yeah.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 17:04

So we talked about GLP 1s, and they are receptor agonists, which are a class of medications primarily used in the management of type two diabetes and obesity. They work by mimicking the action of a GLP 1, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. While these medications are known to aid in weight loss, the extent of weight loss and individual responses vary based on genetic factors. Genetics play a significant role in how individuals respond to medications, including GLP 1 receptor agonists. Several genetic variations can influence drug metabolism, efficacy and adverse reactions.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 17:56

Some studies have even explored the relationship between genetic factors and your individual response to GLP 1 receptor agonists in terms of weight loss and glycemic control.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 18:12

For example, variations in genes related to GLP 1 pathways, such as genes encoding for the GLP 1 receptors or enzymes involved in GLP 1 metabolism, could impact individuals response to these medications. Additionally, genetic factors related to appetite regulation, metabolism and insulin sensitivity may influence the effectiveness of the GLP 1 receptor agonists for weight loss. But you have to remember, Nick and we've been saying this repeatedly it's a layered thing, it's a layered approach. So we have to know and we have to just highlight for everybody. Genetics can provide insights to how you respond to the medication, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. Other factors, such as lifestyle, diet, physical activity level, overall health, also play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of weight loss interventions, including your GLP 1 receptor agonists. It has to be a layered approach and personalized medicine is going to take into account those genetic factors, along with individual characteristics that can help optimize treatment outcomes for patients prescribed those medications.

Nick Cuevas: 19:42

My question to you is with the GLP 1 drug, let's just say, hypothetically speaking, you invented that drug or that medication and you already invented a genetic test that would kind of correlate or marry with that drug. Do you think that there should be genetic testing prior to getting put on that medication and how would that benefit the client or the patient? So if I went into a clinic and I think that I would need this or I would talk to my primary physician and they suggested I should, or they recommend that I do it because I have type two or whatnot, do you think or do you know if there is any genetic tests that you can marry into that, to where it can kind of help you know more information on GLP 1 working on you efficiently?

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 20:43

Absolutely so, at P 23, because I have to talk first about P 23,. That's what I know, and there are other labs as well. But P 23 offers a pharmacogenomics test. The nickname is called PGX, so it's really popular and it helps to understand those genes and those metabolic pathways. What's turned on, what's turned off.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 21:10

Not all GLP 1s are the same, nor are they created equally. We've talked about semi-glutide. We've talked about ozimpy. We've talked briefly about Wagovie. We talked about a new weight loss drug that's a GLP 1 under stage one clinical trial, which is AMG 133.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 21:28

There are going to be different pathways that each of these drugs use. It's manipulating a hormone and the receptors of the hormone, is mimicking something that's happening in your body, and it's like your math teacher asking you give me five ways to generate the answer being a number four. Well, you could do one plus three, you could do three plus one, you could do two plus two, you could do one times four. There are so many ways that you can get to the number four. So if the goal is to get to the mimicking of this GLP 1 agonist naturally occurring in your body, different drug manufacturers will take different ways to answer that question. What we know is that we're able to look at your genes and the pathways that they're using, because they'll tell us as scientists if they're taking one plus three, if they're taking two plus two, if they're taking one times four, and we will be able to say, genetically, based on this person's personalized medical report, they would benefit most from a 3 plus 1 approach to getting to 4 because of how the pathway works and how quickly your body will open and close or process that pathway.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 22:50

There are several genes that can influence individuals GLP-1 drug response and those key genes that we look at at P23 are the GLP-1R, which is a gene that encodes for GLP-1 receptor. That's the primary target of a GLP-1 drug. Variations in this drug could impact the receptor's function or expression level, affecting how effectively a GLP-1 drug can bind and exert their effects. There's ADR-A2A. This gene encodes a receptor involving regulating norepinephrine release. Variance in this gene has been associated with different appetite regulation and response to GLP-1 agonist. We've got MC4R, fto, which is one of my favorite ones. This is a fat mass and obesity associated protein. So variants in the FTO gene have been associated with obesity risk and may impact the response to weight loss interventions, including GLP-1 drugs. There are two others AD, cy3, and GIPR. So those are the two additional key receptors that we look at. Gipr, which is gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor. Although GLP-1 drugs primarily target GLP receptors, crosstalk between GLP-1 and other gut hormones, such as gastric inhibitory polypeptide or GIP, may influence their effects. So genetic variations in the GIPR could potentially affect the response of GLP-1 drugs we're looking at.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 24:48

Depending on which GLP-1 you're using, is there crosstalk? Is your body more prone to this type of crosstalk? Will you have maybe results in your nausea or diarrhea or your other gastric upset issues? Some people will take a GLP-1 and have really bad nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Other people will take it and their body is able to adjust and they'll be just fine with it. So those are the types of things that we look at Now. Could you live and function with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea? Absolutely, is it worth it to lose weight? It depends on who you ask. Some people say absolutely. If your answer is absolutely to both of them, but you know that there's a test that could help you reduce that and avoid the risk of having the nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, would you be prone to take that test? Those are the types of questions that you have to ask yourself when you really dig into what's going on here. These are just a few examples. These are the main variants that or gene variants that P23 looks at when we're trying to assess your response to GLP-1 drugs.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 25:56

Now, pgx testing is not restricted to just GLP-1 drugs. There is a lot of valuable information for pain management, psych medication management. We can help with the drugs that you're needing the most to impact your healthcare, including cardiovascular drugs, of course, diabetes drugs. But if you're looking at weight loss drugs, our test even has a section in it about oral contraception or birth control, if you even want to know which birth control pills might work better for you and give you the least amount of side effects while achieving that optimal result. These are things that can be answered with the simple PGX test.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 26:39

Unfortunately, it is not something that a lot of insurance companies will cover. They require a lot of what we call medical necessities or reasons as to why our insurance companies in the US are more reactive instead of proactive. If you have a cancer or you have a problem, they will approve that testing for you. Let's say, you have an adverse drug reactions to a drug and you've tried three or four and everyone is not working, they will then approve it. They will not proactively do it and say this person is considering taking a drug. This person has a family history of psychosis. This person has a family history of cardiology or cardiac events. How can we help this person manage these conditions, if they happen? There's no approval process for that. Incomes P23.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 27:28

And while we've introduced more of a cash pay proactive you take control of your health. We're helping you with the coaching and deciding which tests you're needing. You're looking at what will benefit you and how you use that information, once you get it, to try to impact your outcome in a different way. We believe in a proactive approach because it works. It gives you a healthier quality of life.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 27:54

That's not where we are as a country, but it's why we always say it's time to revolutionize healthcare, because there are some changes that need to happen and the more informed we are, the more we can demand and ask and say, hey, we're paying premiums for this insurance, we're paying out of our pocket every month. Nobody wants to pay when they're sick. Help us stay healthy. If we come together and collectively, make that our voice and say insurance company, help us stay healthy or we're going to cancel our insurance, we're not going to pay our premiums, I think we'll see some changes, some serious changes, being made in the healthcare system. It takes education of knowing what's out there. It takes a collective, it takes multiple people saying it, not just one person saying it, and it has to be something that we're all committed to.

Nick Cuevas: 28:46

You said a lot. There's a thousand things to unpack. One thing that stuck with me was the last couple of things you said about how the whole process is, about being proactive and reactive. And then, as well, I had a question regarding those genetic tests, the PGX tests or any other tests that another company has. When they're giving this drug out to people, for whatever reason, it's more like a one size fits all, and if they did do the genetic testing prior, they could have a more tailored drug for that person that would benefit them tremendously more. So what I'm asking you is is there a reason why they don't have that included? You know like, hey, all right, you want to take this. Well, let me first do this test first so I could figure out which one of these GLP1 drugs would work for you better. You know, instead of them kind of doing a one size fits all type thing, Well, you said a lot and you don't even know you said a lot.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 29:47

That's a difficult question to unpack. I'll start off by saying most laboratories, especially if they're not cash paying, most of the labs, are not just cash paying. They're still heavily accepting insurance and that kind of thing. The first thing that they want to do is make sure that they are going to be paid or reimbursed for any tests that they give you. Glp1 proteins or GLP1 genes are not even in most PGX assays because they're not reimbursable. This is not something that insurance company is going to pay for. Most labs are going to give you exactly what it is the insurance company paid for and limit what you see to what the doctor is saying. You need it. So this is a different approach. Most labs are not going to even have this in because it's just a temporary inconvenience.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 30:38

So nausea, vomiting, diarrhea although we don't like to do them, nobody wants to have these things happen. They're very temporary. By the time your stomach gets used to the drug, your body is used to taking it, these side effects could level out or we could switch you or we could reduce the dose. There are other things that we could do that are not as costly as this genetic test that could help you understand how to take that drug or manage the symptoms or live with it. You could get diarrhea and just say I'm going to take a modium AD, so you take another drug to stop the effects of that drug. There's not a collective outcry from people to say, or even enough people who understand, we don't have to go through these things. So raising awareness and having these conversations and making sure people understand are going to be key for us. The purpose we want to make sure people understand is that the interplay between genetics and the response to GLP-1 drugs is complex and multifactorial. Other research is needed to eluciate the role of genetics and individual responses to these medications. Additionally, genetic testing and personalized medicine approaches may optimize treatment outcomes by identifying individuals who are most likely to benefit from GLP-1 drugs.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 32:01

So we talked earlier about the shortages on the Eagle Eye Lily drugs for Wigovian ozimpic. If we were offering this test to people before taking the drug, we may not have a drug shortage because we may be able to identify. We don't even have to write these for you because these are not going to work for you and we haven't interviewed enough people, but I bet you. Once we look at the comments for our episodes, we'll see people telling us hey, I took a GLP-1 and it didn't work for me. Did I take the wrong one? Or which one did I need to take? In comes P23.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 32:38

You may take a semi-glutide compound which is not Wigovian. It's a compound, it's like an off-brand almost and it didn't work for you. So you think GLP-1s are bad. But not all GLP-1s are created equally. Not all of them follow the same pathway. Not all of them will give your body the same side effects. So if you take one and it doesn't work, that does not eliminate all. And if you take one and it does work let's say you've been taking ozympic and there's now a shortage, and so your doctor says I'm going to write you for semi-glutide or whatever, and that one doesn't work, it doesn't mean that it stopped working for you. It means that your body only responds to ozympic or you get the best response from ozympic in that example. Now, I'm not endorsing any of them. It's a personal journey. You need to look at what's going to work for you. But we have to have those conversations.

Nick Cuevas: 33:38

It sounds like it's more costly in the long run, Because I know the insurance companies. They just want to cut costs, they want to be as profitable as possible, and that's a whole other podcast in itself. But what I'm saying is, since they're doing it that way, they're kind of just slapping you with whatever drug it is that they have in stock, basically. So wouldn't it be in the long run, mathematically most likely it would work out better. It will be more cost efficient. Or do you think that kind of falls into the cycle of the healthcare industry or business? Let's be real.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 34:18

Well, nick, I think we're going to have to save that question for another podcast. It's interesting and Dr T does not want to upset any insurance companies, but we need to have some honest conversations. We'll table that and I promise you we'll come back, you and I, and we'll delve into the cost, or the potential cost savings, of genetic testing, early testing, and how this could impact or improve insurance's bottom line. Because it's all based on your DNA. We're going into a level where things are personal. Healthcare is personal. The more we learn about our bodies, the more we learn about genetics, the more control we have over making things incredibly personal.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 35:05

Imagine your body is like a house with lots of different rooms. Each room has a special job to do, like a kitchen for cooking or a bedroom for sleeping. Now in your body there are tiny parts called genes. Genes are like instructions that tell your body how to work. Some genes are like bosses that help you decide how to grow, how you look, how healthy you are.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 35:36

When we talk about GLP-1 drugs, we're talking about special medicine that helps your body control sugar and helps you feel less hungry. But not everybody's body is the same, just like not all houses are built the same way. So some people have genes that make them respond better to the special medicine. These genes help medicine work better, like having a superpower to fight off bad guys. Other people might have genes that make the medicine work not as well, like having a weaker superpower. I know with Superman, you know he has super strength, but he has a kryptonite, so it might be something that acts as your kryptonite. These special genes can affect things like how much weight you might lose or how well your body can control sugar when you take this medicine. As scientists, we are still learning about these genes and how they work with the medicine, so they can help people have better results from this medication. Remember, just like everyone's house is different, everybody's body is different too, and understanding how our genes work with medicine can help us stay healthy and strong. Well, you know it's time to wrap it up, nNick.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 37:10

We've been going a while as we conclude another insightful episode of demystifying DNA, exploring genetics and GLP-1, unveiling the connection between DNA and appetizing pressure drugs.

Dr. Tiffany Montgomery: 37:27

Both Nick and I, D r. Tiffany Montgomery, want to express our sincere thanks for embarking on this journey with us. Today, we peeled back the layers of the genetic foundations of appetite control and the promising future of GLP-1-related treatments. We've navigated through the forefront of genetic research, making it understandable and showing its vital role in battling obesity and enhancing metabolic health. Our mission is to illuminate the path of genetics in a way that sparks your curiosity and makes the complexity of this field accessible to everyone. We hope we shed light on the synergy between our DNA and innovative medical advancements, inspiring you to delve deeper into the exciting possibilities that personalize medicine and metabolic health. Hold, stay curious, keep engaged and join us again on demystifying DNA as we continue our quest to make the science of genetics easy to understand for all. Together we're exploring the future of health and science, simplifying the intricate nature of DNA to empower you on your knowledge journey. We are with you every step of the way.