We get a first glimpse of the potential effect of a GLP-1 agonist, semaglutide, in data presented as a late-breaking abstract at the EASD meeting in Vienna this week. This is just a glimpse because it is survey data – self-reported and uncontrolled. With that caveat, though, Timothy Arnaut and colleagues found large reductions in self-reported experiences of food noise for persons taking semaglutide.

Of 550 persons who completed the survey, 62% told researchers that they found themselves “constantly thinking about food throughout the day” before starting on the drug. Only 16% of them reported this is still true for them now that they are taking semaglutide.

A Validated Measurement Tool

Despite the limitations of this survey research, it is encouraging to see this team using a validated measurement tool – the FNQ – to collect their data on food noise. Food noise is a phenomenon that is very real to people living with obesity. Anecdotal reports of people experiencing great relief from these experiences has prompted the research interest. This is something that is very real to people.

But because it’s a subjective experience, rigor in methods for measurement is important. Validation of yet another method for measuring food noise – the RAID-FN inventory – has been completed, and having collaborated on this project, we are eager to see it published.

Part of this process is to build consensus around a definition for food noise. Persistent, unwanted, and unpleasant thoughts about food are key elements of this phenomenon. People call it noise simply because they don’t like it.

Mental Health and Quality of Life

All of this interest in food noise reminds us of the importance that outcomes other than body weight have in treating obesity. In the present study, significant numbers of respondents reported improvements in mental health, confidence, lifestyle, and personal health habits.

We have much to learn about food noise and the effects of various obesity treatments on this phenomenon. As the understanding of it grows more solid, we suspect that it will become part of the broader view of the value obesity treatment brings.

Click here for the study abstract, here, here, and here for added perspective.

Noise Canceling, photograph by Sascha Kohlmann, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0