Motion Sickness and Metabolism: Surprising Brain Circuit Discovery

Motion sickness is an all-too-familiar nuisance for many travelers — affecting roughly one in three people — but what if the queasiness you feel on a bumpy ride could hold clues for something far more impactful, like obesity treatments? That’s exactly what a team of researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and their collaborators have begun to uncover.

In a new study published in Nature Metabolism, scientists have identified a previously unknown brain circuit that links the sensation of motion sickness with how the body regulates its temperature and metabolism. This unexpected connection could open the door to entirely new strategies for tackling obesity.

A personal curiosity turns into groundbreaking research

The research was sparked by a simple, personal question. Dr. Longlong Tu, a postdoctoral fellow highly susceptible to motion sickness himself, proposed studying the brain circuits behind it. His mentor, Dr. Yong Xu, professor of pediatrics and associate director for basic sciences at the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor, initially wasn’t sold on the idea. Dr. Xu says,

[…] I was not very excited about the idea because it’s not one of the main interests of my lab… However, I became more interested and supported Tu’s idea when he explained the emerging evidence suggesting a link between motion sickness and metabolic balance, which is one of my research interests.

Building a mouse model for motion sickness (without the vomiting)

Studying motion sickness in mice presented a challenge: Mice can’t vomit. But the researchers found a clever workaround. Both humans and mice exhibit a drop in body temperature — hypothermia — when subjected to motion stimuli, such as back-and-forth horizontal movement. Using this as a measurable response, they developed a mouse model that could simulate motion sickness through temperature, activity, and brain monitoring.

The team discovered that motion-activated specific neurons — glutamatergic neurons — in a brain region called the medial vestibular nucleus parvocellular part (MVePCGlu). These neurons are responsible for initiating the body’s thermal response to motion, and when they were activated, body temperature dropped. What’s more, the anti-nausea drug scopolamine blocked this temperature drop, validating that their model accurately mimicked motion sickness responses.

A new frontier: The brain’s role in metabolic health

The study took an exciting turn when researchers started manipulating these neurons beyond motion stimuli. When they inhibited MVePCGlu neurons in stationary mice, the animals’ body temperatures and physical activity levels rose. Even more compelling: These mice ate more food but gained less weight and showed improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity — key indicators of better metabolic health. In other words, targeting this brain circuit could potentially boost energy expenditure and protect against obesity, even in the context of increased food intake.

Rethinking the role of the vestibular system

Traditionally, the vestibular system — the part of the inner ear and brain that helps control balance and eye movements — hasn’t been a focus in metabolic research. But this study changes that narrative. “These results highlight the underappreciated function of the brain’s vestibular system in metabolic balance,” said Dr. Xu. It suggests a fascinating new angle for obesity research: treating metabolic disorders by targeting the same brain regions that trigger motion sickness.

Looking ahead

For Dr. Tu, the study is more than a scientific breakthrough — it’s personal. He hopes that better understanding of the neural basis for motion sickness could lead to improved treatments for his own condition. But now, his personal quest has the potential to impact millions of people facing challenges with obesity and metabolic diseases.

This study is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most unexpected questions lead to the most profound discoveries. And in this case, a queasy stomach might just hold the key to a healthier future.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Unexpected New Clues to Fighting Obesity: Scientists Identify Brain Circuit That May Help Burn Fat,” SciTechDaily.com, 4/19/25
Source: “Motion sickness brain circuit may provide new options for treating obesity,” Baylor College of Medicine, 3/24/25
Source: “Vestibular neurons link motion sickness, behavioural thermoregulation and metabolic balance in mice,” Nature Metabolism, 3/21/25
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Zepbound vs. Wegovy, and New Diabetes Study

In the ongoing battle against obesity and type 2 diabetes, two medications — Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) — have emerged as leading treatments. Both are FDA-approved and have demonstrated effectiveness in weight management, but they differ in mechanisms, dosage, and overall effectiveness. If you’re considering either of these drugs for weight loss or for weight loss of your kids, here’s what you need to know, according to VeryWellHealth.com.

How do these medications work?

Zepbound and Wegovy belong to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help regulate blood sugar levels and metabolism. However, Zepbound (tirzepatide) has an added advantage: It is also a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. This dual action may contribute to greater weight loss and improved blood sugar control compared to semaglutide.

Both drugs slow down gastric emptying, making you feel fuller for longer, which helps reduce appetite and calorie intake. Research suggests that tirzepatide’s additional GIP receptor activation enhances its effectiveness.

Effectiveness for weight loss

Both medications are effective for weight loss, but studies suggest tirzepatide may be superior. Consider these findings:

• A 2024 study found that patients with obesity or overweight treated with tirzepatide experienced greater weight loss compared to those on semaglutide.
• A 2023 review revealed that tirzepatide users had an average total body weight loss of 17.8%, compared to 12.4% for semaglutide users.
• A 2021 study indicated tirzepatide was more effective than semaglutide in reducing blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes over 40 weeks.

While these studies indicate tirzepatide’s potential advantages, it is important to note that the dosages in these studies were not always equal, which could impact the results. More direct comparisons are needed to confirm these findings.

Dosage differences

Both medications are taken via weekly subcutaneous injections, but their dosage regimens differ:

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) Dosage:

• Initial dose: 2.5 mg per week for four weeks
• Dose increases: Gradual increments of 2.5 mg every four weeks
• Maximum dose: 15 mg per week

Semaglutide (Wegovy) Dosage:

• Initial dose: 0.25 mg per week for four weeks
• Dose increases: Gradually up to 0.5, 1.0, 1.7, or 2.4 mg
• Maximum dose: 2.4 mg once weekly

Side effects and safety

Both medications share common side effects, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite
• Stomach discomfort
• Fatigue
• Heartburn

Muscle loss has been reported in patients taking both medications, but this can also occur with significant weight loss.

Cost and availability

One major concern for many patients is affordability. The annual cost for GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs can range from $5,000 to $10,000 in the U.S. While tirzepatide tends to be more cost-effective than semaglutide, prices depend on insurance coverage and availability of manufacturer discounts.

Previously, both drugs experienced shortages, leading to increased demand for compounded versions. However, as of February 2025, neither medication was still in shortage.

Can you switch between the two?

Yes, switching between these medications is not uncommon, especially if one is not yielding the desired results. However, a healthcare provider should always guide the transition to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Which one should you choose?

Both Zepbound and Wegovy can effectively aid in weight loss, but the choice depends on individual factors such as:

• Effectiveness: Tirzepatide may offer superior weight loss benefits.
• Cost: Tirzepatide tends to be more affordable, but insurance coverage varies.
• Age Restrictions: Tirzepatide is not currently approved for use in children.
• Tolerability: Both drugs have similar side effects, but individual experiences may differ.

GLP-1 Drugs for Type 2 diabetes may not be safe for Type 1 patients

Then there’s this. Medications originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes may not be suitable for patients with type 1 diabetes, according to researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

A recent study highlights concerns regarding the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists among type 1 diabetes patients. GLP-1 receptor agonists have been available for over two decades to help manage type 2 diabetes. Over time, some were also approved for reducing cardiovascular disease risk and treating obesity. However, type 1 diabetes patients have started using these drugs even though they were excluded from clinical trials due to concerns about hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar levels).

Unlike type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body does not produce insulin, requiring lifelong insulin therapy. The study, which analyzed over 200,000 anonymized medical records from 2008 to 2023, found a significant increase in obesity rates among individuals with type 1 diabetes across all age groups and ethnic backgrounds.

The findings, published on March 3 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, emphasize the need for more research on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 1 diabetes patients. Senior author Dr. Jung-Im Shin, an associate professor at the Bloomberg School’s Department of Epidemiology, commented:

These findings highlight the urgent need for better data — including clinical trials — on the effectiveness and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists in people with type 1 diabetes, to inform clear guidelines on their use in these patients.

As usual, more studies need to happen, and researchers have their work cut out for them.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Zepbound (Tirzepatide) vs. Wegovy (Semaglutide) for Weight Loss,” VeryWellHealth.com, 3/31/25
Source: “Weight-Loss Drug Use Has Risen Sharply Among Children and Adults With Type 1 Diabetes,” John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 3/26/25
Source: “Trends in obesity and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist prescriptions in type 1 diabetes in the United States,” Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 3/3/25
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Addressing Pediatric Obesity With Digital Tools and Personalized Care

Currently, one in five children and adolescents in the U.S. has obesity — a rate that has steadily increased over the past decade. Between the early 2010s and 2020, childhood obesity rates rose from 17.7% to 21.5%, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics. In response to this growing crisis, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated clinical guidelines in 2023, recommending at least 26 hours of health behavior and lifestyle treatment within three to twelve months. While welcomed by pediatricians, these recommendations posed a significant implementation challenge. Enter Dr. Yum, highlighted in a recent article on Medscape.

Bridging the gap with practical solutions

Dr. Nimali Fernando, a pediatrician in Virginia, understood the difficulties families faced in maintaining a nutritious diet. In the 2010s, she founded Yum Pediatrics, a teaching kitchen and garden that served as a foundation for practical nutrition education. Realizing the potential of digital tools to expand her reach, she transitioned from private practice in 2023 to launch Touchpoints, a multimedia program under Dr. Yum’s umbrella, designed to help clinicians implement the AAP guidelines.

Through step-by-step modules on topics like mindful eating, picky eating, and food insecurity, Touchpoints equips pediatricians with structured conversation guides to engage families. These resources provide a practical solution for overwhelmed healthcare providers who may lack nutrition training but want to offer evidence-based guidance.

The reality of implementing new guidelines

Although the AAP guidelines were well-received, logistical challenges remain. Many pediatric clinics lack access to multidisciplinary teams, leaving primary care providers to shoulder the responsibility of obesity management. Furthermore, insurance companies often do not reimburse for lifestyle and behavior treatment programs, making implementation even more difficult.

To navigate this issue, clinicians bill office visits under comorbid conditions associated with obesity, such as high cholesterol, sleep disturbances, or prediabetes. This approach allows them to provide personalized care while addressing the broader health concerns linked to weight management.

Expanding access through telehealth

Recognizing the importance of accessibility, some pediatricians conduct the Touchpoints program entirely through telehealth. This method aligns better with families’ schedules and fosters a consistent relationship between providers and patients. By meeting monthly, pediatricians can offer ongoing support and track progress effectively.

Telehealth also enables a whole-family approach to weight management. With rising rates of eating disorders post-pandemic, Touchpoints promotes a food-neutral and weight-neutral perspective, reducing stigma and fostering sustainable healthy habits.

Tools for sustainable change

Currently, over two dozen clinicians subscribe to Touchpoints, with researchers from UTHealth Houston launching a study to assess its impact on BMI changes among patients. However, many of the resources remain free through the original Dr. Yum website. One standout feature, the Meal-o-Matic, allows families to create customized recipes based on available ingredients, empowering children to take ownership of their meals. Through meal tracking and photo uploads, children engage with their progress in a supportive, interactive way.

Getting started with pediatric weight management

For pediatricians interested in expanding their approach to obesity care, the AAP offers valuable resources, including staff training on weight bias and stigma. Additionally, the CDC provides a list of evidence-based weight management programs ready for implementation.

Starting small can be an effective strategy. For example, begin with two or three motivated families, using intake forms and food journals to identify those most likely to commit to the process. Naturally, positive outcomes depend on a family’s readiness to engage.

A study on digital health interventions

While digital health strategies may benefit children and adolescents struggling with overweight and obesity, their role in replacing or enhancing components of standard multicomponent care remains uncertain, according to an umbrella review published in Obesity Reviews.

To assess the impact of digital health interventions on weight management in young people, researchers conducted a comprehensive review of existing reviews and meta-analyses. The selected studies focused on the effectiveness and experiences of digital health technologies in managing obesity among children and adolescents (aged 0 to 19) based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.

The review encompassed 16 systematic reviews and 10 meta-analyses, with 15 primarily relying on quantitative data from primary studies. Nine reviews exclusively included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while the remaining seven incorporated both RCTs and non-RCTs. Most of the primary studies were conducted in high-income regions such as the United States, Europe, and Oceania, with limited representation from middle- and low-income countries.

The number of participants across the included reviews ranged from 195 to 5,777. When evaluating body mass index (BMI) scores, researchers observed small but statistically significant effects of digital interventions on body measurements.

The researchers concluded:

Overall, digital health interventions had a small impact on anthropometric measures when assessing BMI and BMI-z-scores… It remains unclear how these interventions could complement or replace elements of standard care for children and adolescents with overweight or obesity.

It takes a village

Obesity management is not limited to pediatricians alone. Nurses, dietitians, and nutritionists can all play a role in delivering weight management programs. By integrating digital tools, structured programs, and telehealth solutions, pediatricians can make a meaningful impact in the fight against childhood obesity — one family at a time.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Digital Health Interventions May Aid Pediatric Obesity Treatments,” Endocrinology Advisor, 3/18/25
Source: “Digital health interventions to treat overweight and obesity in children and adolescents: An umbrella review,” Obesity Reviews, 2/19/25
Source: “Feeding Change: How Dr. Yum Is Helping Pediatricians Tackle Childhood Obesity One Meal at a Time,” Medscape, 3/21/25
Image by Alex Green/Pexels

New Study Finds Self-Guided Family-Based Treatment Effective for Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is a growing concern worldwide, with one in five children in the U.S. affected. In southern Italy, four in 10 children are overweight despite it being the birthplace of the highly praised Mediterranean Diet. And South Korea is now has the highest obesity rate in East Asia among children and adolescents. And that’s just in the news this week. The list grows and grows.

While traditional obesity treatment methods have been effective, they often come with significant barriers, such as time commitment, cost, and access to specialized care. However, a new clinical trial from UC San Diego suggests that a self-guided version of Family-Based Treatment (FBT) could be a game-changer, offering a more accessible, affordable, and equally effective alternative.

What is family-based treatment?

FBT is a well-established approach to treating childhood obesity that involves working closely with families to promote healthier behaviors. Traditionally, healthcare professionals guide families through a structured program focused on encouraging physical activity, teaching healthy eating habits, and developing age-appropriate behavioral skills.

The new study from UC San Diego’s Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR) found that self-guided FBT provides the same benefits while reducing the time, cost, and scheduling constraints associated with clinician-led programs.

A more flexible, cost-effective approach

Dr. Kerri Boutelle, senior study author and director of CHEAR, highlighted the limitations of traditional FBT:

While effective, it can be time-intensive, expensive, and offered at limited times, making it difficult for many families to participate.

In contrast, self-guided FBT condenses the program significantly. Instead of the traditional 26 hours of treatment over six months, the self-guided model requires only five hours of treatment within the same timeframe. Families complete 20-minute sessions every other week without the need for a trained clinician, making it a viable option for busy households and those facing financial challenges.

The importance of family involvement

Unlike adult obesity, which is often addressed individually, research shows that a family-based approach is most effective for children. Traditional FBT typically involves parents and their children (ages 8-15) in small group sessions, fostering a supportive environment. However, Dr. Boutelle’s research suggests that direct work with parents — rather than relying on group sessions or extensive clinician involvement — is the key to success.

She said:

While some families may benefit from the standard approach, providing more flexible and accessible alternatives like self-guided FBT can help us make a wider impact on childhood obesity.

Dr. Boutelle emphasized that this model allows treatment to be delivered in medical offices, enabling physicians and healthcare providers to support families without requiring extensive training.

Addressing the complexity of childhood obesity

Obesity in children is a multifaceted issue influenced by diet, physical activity, genetics, and environmental factors. Key contributors include:

• Diet: High consumption of sugary drinks, processed foods, and large portion sizes.
• Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles, excessive screen time, and limited exercise.
• Genetics: Some children may be genetically predisposed to weight gain.
• Environment: Accessibility to unhealthy foods, lack of safe spaces for physical activity, and social norms promoting sedentary habits.

With obesity linked to serious health concerns such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health issues, accessible and effective treatments are crucial. The self-guided FBT model offers a promising solution, making evidence-based care more widely available to families who might otherwise struggle to access traditional programs.

Looking ahead

The findings from UC San Diego’s research underscore the need for innovative approaches to tackling childhood obesity. By offering a flexible, cost-effective, and family-centered solution, self-guided FBT has the potential to reach more families and create lasting health improvements for children nationwide.

As Dr. Boutelle puts it:

There’s no reason to require extensive in-person treatment when we can achieve the same results in a way that fits into families’ lives more easily. Our goal is to ensure that more children receive the help they need without unnecessary barriers.

With ongoing efforts to expand awareness and accessibility, self-guided FBT could soon become a standard tool in the fight against childhood obesity.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “UC San Diego clinical trial: Family-based treatment best for obese children,” SDNews.com, 2/14/25
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