This new molecule burns calories effortlessly 🔥

A new molecule could greatly improve the effectiveness of treatments for people suffering from both obesity and type 2 diabetes. But what makes it so special?


Treatments based on the GLP-1 hormone, such as Wegovy or Ozempic, have long dominated the market. They help reduce appetite and promote an average weight loss of 15%. However, their frequent side effects, like nausea, and weight gain once the treatment is stopped, limit their success. Moreover, for reasons not yet fully understood, they are less effective in people who suffer from both obesity and type 2 diabetes.

In response to these limitations, Zach Gerhart-Hines' team at the University of Copenhagen explored a receptor that had so far been under-studied: the NK2R. This promising target could surpass the performance of current treatments by combining effectiveness with better tolerance.

Activating NK2R works on two fronts. It stimulates calorie expenditure while reducing appetite. Unlike GLP-1 treatments, this approach does not cause nausea or loss of muscle mass, according to tests on mice. Initial results obtained from primates confirm the effectiveness of this strategy. Significant weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and a reduction in cholesterol levels were observed, reinforcing the interest in this approach.

One of the major challenges is increasing calorie expenditure at rest. Indeed, our metabolism seems to be slower today than it was a few decades ago. Treatments targeting NK2R could compensate for this decrease and promote better energy balance.

Human clinical trials should begin soon. If the results are confirmed, this treatment could make a significant difference in the management of nearly 400 million people worldwide suffering from both obesity and type 2 diabetes. Beyond its effectiveness, this new treatment could attract interest due to its better tolerance. By eliminating common side effects, it would meet a growing demand for sustainable solutions.

Research on NK2R represents a major step in the fight against obesity. There is a lot of hope for these advances, which could profoundly transform metabolic care.

What is the NK2R receptor, and why is it central to weight loss research?

The NK2R (Neurokinin 2 Receptor) is a protein located in certain tissues of the body, playing a key role in regulating energy balance and blood sugar levels. It is naturally activated by molecules called neurokinins, as identified through genetic testing.

Its activation promotes an increase in resting energy expenditure and a decrease in appetite, without causing side effects such as nausea or vomiting. This contrasts with current treatments targeting GLP-1, which are often associated with these unpleasant effects.

Studies conducted on animal models show that NK2R agonism leads to increased calorie burning, better insulin sensitivity, and a notable reduction in blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

The interest in this receptor lies in its potential to offer a safe and effective therapeutic alternative for millions of people suffering from obesity and type 2 diabetes.