#465: Personalizing GLP-1 Medications: The Role of Genetics in Weight Loss and Side Effects With Noura Abul-Husn M.D. Ph.D
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Today, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Nora Abdul-Hussein, a physician-scientist, medical geneticist, and one of the leading voices in the field of genomic medicine. In this episode, Dr. Abdul-Hussein and I dig into a huge question—why do two people taking the exact same GLP-1 medication have such wildly different results, from weight loss to side effect profiles? She shares her unique path from internal medicine to cutting-edge population genomics, and how her work at 23andMe is beginning to answer some of medicine’s toughest puzzles.
Together, we break down how your genes might influence everything from medication response to disease risk. Dr. Abdul-Hussein talks about the game-changing findings around GLP-1 receptor gene variants and what this means for a more personalized, effective approach to weight loss drugs, as well as how we can empower ourselves with knowledge without falling into the trap of genetic determinism.
If you’re curious about how the intersection of genetics, environment, and lifestyle could revolutionize both the future of medicine and your own health journey, you won’t want to miss the practical insights, myth-busting, and hope for the future packed into this conversation.
What We Discuss:
Introduction: podcast focus on genetics, peptides, and longevity ... 00:00:00
Dr. Nora Abdul-Hussein’s background and journey in genomic medicine ... 00:07:01
Prevention and population-scale genetics ... 00:08:06
Power of genetic insights for personal lifestyle choices ... 00:14:40
Barriers to adopting genetics in clinical practice ... 00:16:41
Pharmacogenomics and the move toward personalized prescribing ... 00:17:21
Launching a large-scale study on GLP-1 genetics ... 00:19:41
Discovery: GLP-1 receptor gene variants linked to weight loss and nausea ... 00:22:40
Risk calculators and personalized expectations for GLP-1s ... 00:27:26
Broader genomics: diet, exercise, and response variability ... 00:28:24
Avoiding genetic determinism and emphasizing holistic care ... 00:29:29
Findings for tirzepatide and the GIP receptor ... 00:34:20
Population differences and ancestry’s impact on results ... 00:38:07
Is genetic information ready for prime time in GLP-1 therapy? ... 00:41:12
Clinical implications beyond “calories in, calories out” ... 00:43:01
GLP-1s: potential for non-weight related conditions ... 00:44:48
Personalized medicine: integrating genomics with other data ... 00:51:02
Reducing shame and embracing genes as tools for prevention ... 01:00:02
Genomic information as an empowering health strategy ... 01:01:30
Study insights and validation: self-reporting and sample diversity ... 01:05:40
Protecting privacy and building trust in genomics ... 01:13:32
Final thoughts: embrace your genes and use the data for healthspan ... 01:20:10
Where to learn more and wrap-up ... 01:21:18
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Some episodes of the Longevity With Nathalie Niddam podcast are supported by partners whose products or services may be discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation or earn a minor commission if you purchase through affiliate links at no extra cost to you. All opinions shared are those of the host and guests, based on personal experience and research, and do not necessarily represent the views of any sponsor. Sponsorships do not imply medical endorsement or approval by any healthcare provider featured on this podcast.