Researchers from Oklahoma State University and some other scientific institutions have found that popular weight loss drugs with semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, etc.) not only reduce appetite, but also change the perception of tastes. And because of this, many patients begin to feel disgust for familiar foods. The findings were published in the scientific journal Food Quality and Preference.

These drugs (GLP-1 agonists), which were originally developed to treat diabetes, affect the brain's satiety centers and reward system.

According to the testimonies of those who used these drugs, after taking them, meat began to taste like barn, spicy food tasted too sharp, and wine acquired an unpleasant grassy taste.

In the new study, researchers found that people taking semaglutide ate less processed foods, red meat, and sugary drinks, and preferred fruits, vegetables, and water. Their daily diet was reduced by an average of 700 kilocalories. But these data are based on self-reports, which is not always accurate.

The researchers found GLP-1-sensitive cells in taste receptors that could explain the aforesaid changes. Moreover, the drug manufacturers have not yet commented on these effects, and made a reference to the official lists of side effects.

Researchers continue to study the mechanisms by which GLP-1 affects taste to better understand how these drugs change not only the body, but also gastronomic habits.