Millions of people are turning to GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) to lose weight. But not everyone experiences the same success. Some patients lose 20% or more of their body weight, while others see only modest results—even when following the same plan.
A new study may explain why: your genetics could play a major role.
The Neurobeachin Gene Connection
Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic recently identified variations in a gene called Neurobeachin that influence how people respond to GLP-1 therapy. Those with “responsive” variants were 82% more likely to lose significant weight compared to people without those variants.
This discovery highlights a critical point: weight loss is not one-size-fits-all.
What This Means for Patients
- Different Responses Are Normal – If you haven’t seen dramatic results from GLP-1 medications, it doesn’t necessarily mean you failed. Your body may process the therapy differently.
- The Future is Personalized – Genetic testing could soon help predict which patients are likely to benefit most from specific medications.
- Comprehensive Care Still Matters – Even with the right genetics, sustainable results require more than a prescription. Coaching, nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and medical oversight remain essential.
Achieve’s Approach to Weight Loss
At Achieve Health and Weight Loss, we treat obesity as the complex medical condition it is. Our concierge-level program ensures that every member gets:
- A comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, labs, and body composition.
- Personalized medication selection and titration.
- Regular updates to primary care providers upon request.
- Ongoing lifestyle and behavioral support to maximize results.
We don’t just hand out prescriptions, we function like a subspecialist in obesity medicine, helping patients succeed whether they’re “super responders” or more gradual achievers.
The Bottom Line
The future of weight loss is moving toward personalized medicine. Your genes may influence how much weight you lose on a GLP-1, but with Achieve’s full-spectrum program, you can still achieve meaningful results.
