Swiping on a cell phone screen can easily lead to being inundated with high-calorie foods. Studies have shown that overconsumption of these foods can lead to a decrease in taste sensitivity, which may contribute to the risk of obesity. People living with obesity have reported perceiving tastes as less dominant, and studies suggest that those prone to obesity have an increased desire for sweet, energy-dense foods.
A new study focused on 30 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that often leads to obesity. The women received an Ozampic injection once a week for 16 weeks, while a control group did not receive the treatment. Participants underwent taste sensitivity tests and had biopsy samples taken from their tongues to analyze genetic expression in taste buds. Functional MRI scans were also conducted to monitor brain responses to different stimuli.
After 16 weeks, the women who received the Ozampic injection showed an increase in taste sensitivity and changes in brain activity compared to the control group. The injection seemed to affect brain regions associated with reward and taste perception, suggesting a potential mechanism for how weight loss injections may impact taste perception in individuals with obesity.
While the study focused on Ozampic injections, a higher-dose injection called Vigovi has recently been introduced in Israel for weight loss. However, concerns about the high cost of the injection have led to some users hesitating to switch from Ozampic to Vigovi. The Ministry of Health has recommended prescribing Vigovi instead of Ozampic for weight loss, but uptake has been slow due to the price difference.
In conclusion, the study’s findings suggest that weight loss injections may influence taste sensitivity in individuals with obesity, offering new insights into the mechanisms behind these treatments. Further research is needed to understand the full impact of these injections on taste perception and weight loss outcomes.