Overview
- US researchers reported in Nature Medicine that tirzepatide was associated with reduced neural activity linked to craving in a single observed patient.
- Implanted electrodes identified low-frequency delta–theta signals in the nucleus accumbens that coincided with intense food preoccupation.
- In two participants, direct electrical stimulation of targeted brain regions diminished the same low-frequency signal.
- In the patient prescribed tirzepatide after weight-loss surgery, both cravings and the delta–theta signal fell initially then returned after several months.
- Experts urged caution given the highly selected, three-person sample and called for controlled studies, as the NHS continues a restricted Mounjaro roll-out expected to reach 240,000 people over three years.