News Health & Medicine A genetic test may predict which weight loss drugs work best for patients Clinical trials show people with different “genetic scores” lose more weight on specific drugs Genetics tests may help predict whether GLP-1 drugs, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, or a different type of medication may work better for some people. © Obesity Action Coalition By Tina Hesman Saey June 13, 2025 at 9:00 am People trying to lose weight often count calories, carbs, steps and reps and watch the scales. Soon, they may have another number to consider: a genetic score indicating how many calories a person needs to feel full during a meal. This score may help predict whether someone will lose more weight on the drugs liraglutide or phentermine-topiramate, researchers report June 6 in Cell Metabolism. A separate study, posted to medRXiv.org in November, suggests that individuals with a higher genetic propensity for obesity benefit less from semaglutide compared to those with a lower genetic predisposition. Sign up for our newsletter We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.