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A promising new diet pill could offer an alternative to current weight-loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy by helping the body burn fat without reducing appetite or causing muscle loss. Developed by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, the pill targets metabolism in the muscles, encouraging them to burn more fat while preserving muscle mass. Unlike GLP-1 injections, which suppress hunger and often lead to side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and reduced muscle tone, this pill aims for a more balanced approach.
The research, published in the journal Cell, included both animal studies and an early human trial involving 48 healthy participants and 25 people with type 2 diabetes. The drug showed promising effects on blood sugar control and body composition, with minimal side effects. Lead researchers, including Professor Tore Bengtsson and Assistant Professor Shane Wright, emphasize that maintaining muscle mass is critical not only for managing diabetes and obesity but also for supporting longevity.
The pill is based on a modified beta-2 agonist—a class of drugs typically used for asthma—that activates fat-burning processes in muscles without overstimulating the heart. With no need for injections, this treatment could significantly improve quality of life for patients. The next phase of testing will be carried out by Atrogi AB, the company developing the drug, as researchers aim to bring this novel therapy closer to clinical use.
