Appetite News and Research

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Novel gene regulation therapy passes key clinical milestone

Groundbreaking Phase 1/2a clinical trials co-led by Linda Laux, MD, from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, show that the first gene regulation treatment for epilepsy is safe and well tolerated by patients with Dravet syndrome for whom antiseizure medications are not effective.

4 Mar 2026

Mapping the year-one weight trajectory after stopping GLP-1s

A year after stopping taking weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, people regain, on average, 60% of their lost weight – but beyond this, their weight regain plateaus, with individuals managing to keep off 25% of the weight lost to treatment, say researchers at the University of Cambridge.

4 Mar 2026

Why we keep craving food even when we are full

Research shows food cues activate brain reward signals, leading to eating without hunger, shedding light on obesity and appetite regulation mechanisms.

4 Mar 2026

Ultraprocessed foods are engineered like cigarettes

The parallels between ultraprocessed foods and tobacco raise concerns about addiction and health risks, urging policymakers to implement effective regulations.

2 Mar 2026

Decoding the brain’s love for tempting snacks

Research from the University of East Anglia (UEA) may finally explain why we still reach for the biscuit tin, even when we're full.

1 Mar 2026

Greater food variety at buffets may lead to overeating

At Super Bowl parties, weddings, Independence Day cookouts and Thanksgiving dinners, people celebrate with large spreads of food.

27 Feb 2026

To avoid care disruptions, know when the clock runs out on your prior authorization

A woman with multiple sclerosis wanted to be able to walk up the stairs at home without losing her balance.

27 Feb 2026

Combined GLP-1 and GLP-2 treatment appears safe but does not beat placebo for obesity

In a 12-week randomized phase IIa trial in adults with obesity, the dual GLP-1/GLP-2 receptor agonist dapiglutide was well tolerated but did not achieve statistically significant weight loss compared with placebo at 4 mg or 6 mg doses. Although the higher dose showed modest within-group weight reduction and improved HbA1c, unexpectedly substantial placebo-associated weight loss limited the observed treatment effect.

24 Feb 2026

Tirzepatide activates brown fat, boosting metabolism beyond appetite control

Tirzepatide is one of the drugs that has revolutionized the treatment of obesity and other conditions such as diabetes in recent years.

24 Feb 2026

Early exposure to unhealthy foods leaves lasting brain and feeding changes

Eating unhealthy foods early in life leave lasting brain and feeding changes but gut bacteria can help restore healthy eating, new University College Cork (UCC) research study finds today (Tuesday 24th February 10am)

24 Feb 2026

Transforming obese fat cells into energy burners

Ordinary fat cells in obese animals can be induced to burn energy stores, generating substantial heat, according to a preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators.

23 Feb 2026

Higher ultra-processed food intake aligns with greater binge eating risk in obesity study

Higher intake of ultra-processed foods in adults with obesity was associated with disordered eating symptoms, poorer diet quality, and lower protein intake. The cross-sectional findings suggest dietary processing level may influence eating behaviour patterns relevant to obesity management, though causality cannot be inferred.

23 Feb 2026

Onset of "the munchies" after cannabis use could offer clues to help people with appetite loss

The urgent onset of "the munchies" after cannabis use isn't imaginary – it's a cognitive response that occurs regardless of sex, age, weight or recent food consumption and could offer clues to help people struggling with appetite loss.

19 Feb 2026

How GLP-1 drugs affect the body beyond weight loss and glucose control

This review evaluates the safety profile of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and related incretin therapies used for obesity and type 2 diabetes. It highlights common gastrointestinal effects, rare but debated risks, and areas where further long-term safety data are still needed.

18 Feb 2026

Post-exercise milk helps protect bone density in adults over 60

The study highlights the role of milk and resistance training in improving bone health and physical performance among older adults through nutrition education.

17 Feb 2026

Big breakfast study reveals protein curbs appetite but fiber delivers stronger gut microbiome benefits

A randomized crossover weight loss trial in adults with overweight or obesity found that higher protein big breakfasts improved satiety, while higher fibre breakfasts produced slightly greater weight loss and more favourable gut microbiota markers. Both diets improved metabolic biomarkers, but microbiota changes reflected surrogate gut health indicators rather than direct clinical outcomes.

15 Feb 2026

Universal famine thresholds may mask unfolding starvation

Recent global crises have exposed the limits of a universal mortality threshold for declaring famine-an approach that can obscure how famine actually unfolds across different populations.

13 Feb 2026

Ozempic users continue treatment when weight loss works despite side effects

A study on Ozempic for weight loss reveals user satisfaction is driven by efficacy, despite common gastrointestinal side effects impacting treatment adherence.

13 Feb 2026

Brain circuit links past experiences to appetite control

Our past experiences shape how much we eat and where and what we choose to eat. Using preclinical models, researchers from Mass General Brigham and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have identified brain cells that translate contextual information into appetite control.

12 Feb 2026

Weight loss drug tirzepatide may lower the risk of diabetic retinopathy

The popular diabetes and weight loss medication tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro or Zepbound) may lower the risk of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss, according to Weill Cornell Medicine investigators.

11 Feb 2026