ESPTirzepatide briefly shut down the neural activity linked to compulsive food cravings in a patient with obesity, revealed through implanted brain electrodes. The effect faded over time, underscoring the need for more targeted and lasting treatments for binge eating and impulsivity.
A unique opportunity to observe deep brain activity in a person with obesity and loss of control eating provided new insight into how tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound, interacts with the brain. Recordings showed that the medication reduced activity in the brain's reward center, a region linked to food noise and compulsive cravings, although this reduction did not last.
Researchers noted that tirzepatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist originally created for Type 2 diabetes. Early findings suggest it may also help with conditions related to impulse control, including binge eating disorder. However, the new report from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania cautions that current GLP-1 and GIP inhibitors may not be fully optimized for treating these behaviors and warrant more investigation. The case study appears in Nature Medicine. Know more: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251208052534.htm
