Natural occurring molecule rivals Ozempic in weight loss, sidesteps side effects

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The 12-amino-acid BRP peptide (spheres are atoms and sticks are bonds) suppresses appetite and reduces weight gain in mice and pigs without causing nausea or food aversion. Credit: Katrin Svensson/Stanford Medicine A naturally occurring molecule identified by Stanford Medicine researchers appears similar to semaglutide—also known as Ozempic—in suppressing appetite and reducing body weight. Notably, testing in animals also showed that it worked without some of the drug's side effects, such as nausea, constipation and significant loss of muscle mass. The newly discovered molecule, BRP, acts through a separate but similar metabolic pathway and activates different neurons in the brain—seemingly offering a more targeted approach to body weight reduction. "The receptors targeted by semaglutide are found in the ... Read full article.