Core Insights - The article highlights the alarming rise in global obesity rates, with over 1 billion individuals affected by obesity as of 2022, marking a doubling since 1990. The prevalence among adolescents has increased fourfold, making obesity a critical health issue that requires urgent attention [6]. - New weight loss therapies, particularly the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide, have shown significant promise, with clinical trials indicating an average weight reduction of 15% in obese patients. This drug has been recognized as a scientific breakthrough in 2023 [6][9]. - Despite its effectiveness, approximately 60% of users experience side effects such as nausea and vomiting, which can hinder adherence to the treatment [6]. - Research is shifting towards developing safer weight loss medications with fewer side effects. A recent study from Stanford University identified a natural bioactive peptide that effectively suppresses appetite without causing nausea [7]. Group 1: Obesity Statistics and Health Risks - The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the number of obese adults has exceeded 1 billion, with a fourfold increase in adolescent obesity since 1990 [6]. - Obesity significantly raises the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASH) [6]. Group 2: New Weight Loss Therapies - Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, was approved by the FDA in 2021 for long-term management of obesity, demonstrating an average weight loss of 15% in clinical trials [6]. - The drug's mechanism involves mimicking GLP-1, promoting insulin secretion, and prolonging satiety, which leads to reduced food intake [9]. Group 3: Research Innovations - Stanford University's research team has developed a peptide named BRP, derived from the precursor hormone BRINP2, which effectively reduces appetite and body weight without adverse effects [10][12]. - The research utilized AI technology to identify potential cleavage sites in precursor hormones, leading to the discovery of over 2600 previously overlooked peptide segments [10]. - In animal studies, BRP administration resulted in a significant reduction in food intake and weight loss, with no negative impact on other behavioral aspects [12].