Scientists have revealed the secret of the brain"s weight loss "switch"

A group of researchers from the University of Cambridge has discovered why both blocking and stimulating the GIP receptor in the brain produce the same result — weight loss. ScienceDaily reports on the findings of the study.

Targeting receptors involved in appetite regulation underpins the mechanism of action of modern drugs against diabetes and obesity. However, a mystery has long surrounded the GIP receptor: some drugs activate it, while others block it, yet both approaches lead to weight loss.

To solve this paradox, a team led by Dr. Joe Lewis conducted a series of experiments on genetically modified mice in which the GIP receptor was selectively removed from various brain regions.

As it turned out, it all comes down to location: the ultimate effect depends on which specific area of the brain is being targeted. Activation of the GIP receptor in the brainstem directly suppressed appetite. Blockers, on the other hand, work through an entirely different mechanism — they affect the hypothalamus, removing a kind of "brake" that limits the strength of satiety signals coming from the brainstem.

"Understanding which circuits in the brain respond to these drugs and how exactly they do so could help us develop more effective medications that cause greater weight loss with fewer side effects," said lead author Joe Lewis.

According to him, such drugs could be particularly effective in combination with other anti-obesity medications.

In addition, the researchers found that blocking the GIP receptor can enhance the effects of new drugs targeting the amylin receptor. This opens up prospects for creating even more powerful combination treatment regimens.

The data obtained, according to the study's authors, confirm the decisive role of the brain in body weight regulation.