Is Vibrating Pill the New Ozempic? Researchers Develop Capsule That Tricks Stomach Into Thinking It Is Full
Ozempic, a popular weight loss pill among celebrities, could face competition from a groundbreaking new capsule that mimics the feeling of fullness in the stomach. Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have created a tablet the size of a multivitamin that tricks the stomach into believing it has consumed a complete meal. In animal studies, pigs given the pill 20 minutes before eating consumed 40% less food compared to the control group. While the pill has yet to be tested on humans, researchers believe it could revolutionize appetite control and weight loss without causing the negative side effects associated with Ozempic.
Dr. Shriya Srinivasan, a bioengineering graduate from the university, explained that individuals looking to lose weight could take the vibrating pill before meals to suppress appetite. This could be really interesting in that it would provide an option that could minimize the side effects that we see with the other pharmacological treatments out there, she said.
The current version of the capsule needs to be taken after every meal. However, scientists are also working on developing a wireless version that can be activated and left in the stomach, providing a more convenient solution.
When ingested, the pill travels to the stomach where it is activated. Initially covered in a gelatinous coating that is broken down by stomach acid, the tablet opens a circuit and begins to vibrate. This vibration activates the mechanoreceptors in the stomach wall that are typically triggered by distension or expansion after a substantial meal. By deceiving these receptors into perceiving a larger stomach, they communicate with the brain through the vagus nerve, triggering the release of hormones that signify satiety and suppress appetite.
Ozempic, known for its popularity among Hollywood celebrities for weight loss, offers additional health benefits. The medication, also known as semaglutide and sold under the brands Ozempic and Wegovy, has been shown to improve heart health. It can assist in managing diabetes, weight loss, and even symptoms of heart failure. For individuals who are overweight and experiencing heart issues, reducing body weight can alleviate fatigue and edema, two common signs of heart failure.
A recent study conducted across 13 countries found that weekly injections of semaglutide over the course of a year reduced edema, dyspnea, and fatigue in over 500 participants with heart failure and obesity. These individuals also experienced noticeable improvements in physical endurance and exercise capacity.
However, another study from Chinese researchers has raised concerns about potential fatal side effects of both Wegovy and Ozempic. The research suggests that the use of these medications could lead to an expansion of the small intestines, increasing the risk of a potentially life-threatening intestinal obstruction. Mice involved in the study exhibited increased intestinal size after 20 months of treatment. While the clinical trials for Wegovy lasted 16 months, the researchers noted that this timeframe was four weeks too short to identify potential long-term adverse effects.
As researchers continue to explore and enhance the vibrating pill’s effectiveness, individuals hoping to manage their weight may soon have a new and innovative solution at their disposal. While further testing is needed to ensure its safety among human subjects, this groundbreaking development has the potential to revolutionize weight loss strategies, offering a more manageable and side effect-free alternative to existing pharmacological treatments.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or medication.
