Daily food intake, body weight, and weight gain

Based on the data presented in these graphs, the study compares the effects of once-daily oral administration of allulose and *semaglutide (O-Sema) in diet-induced obese *(DIO) mice.

 

The graphs show that both treatments significantly reduce food intake and body weight compared to the control group (DW), but allulose provides a more sustained weight loss effect during the 16-day treatment and post-treatment period.

 

Key observations from the graphs

Daily Food Intake (Graph A)

Both D-Allulose and O-Sema cause a sharp, significant decrease in food intake in the early treatment phase (Days 0–3).

By the end of the treatment period (around Day 10), food intake in both groups begins to return to control levels:

 

Body Weight (Graph B) ..

.. and Body Weight Change (Graph C)

Phases of treatment:

• Initial phase (Days 0–3)

Both O-Sema and D-Allulose cause a similar, sharp decrease in body weight.

• Late phase (Days 4–10)

In the D-Allulose group, weight loss continues, while the O-Sema group shows a plateau or a slight "rebound" effect, where weight loss is less pronounced compared to the initial decrease.

• Post-treatment phase (Days 11–16)

After stopping treatment, the D-Allulose group maintains significantly lower body weight and less weight gain compared to the control group.

In contrast, the O-Sema group shows a faster return to control weight.

 

Scientific context

Research indicates that while both substances activate anorexigenic (appetite-suppressing) neurons in the brain, D-allulose may have a more sustained effect by also inhibiting orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) neurons and utilizing additional pathways, such as vagus afferent signaling.

The effect of O-Sema on body weight in this specific mouse model appears to be more transient after the initial treatment phase is completed.

 

Continue reading..

 

 

* Semaglutide

Semaglutide is an active substance primarily used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and to promote weight loss, but its research and clinical application are also expanding in the areas of visceral organs (liver) and the cardiovascular system.

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide, meaning it mimics the action of naturally occurring glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the body.

Forms of administration

Once-weekly injectable into the upper arm or abdomen (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy), orally administered tablet (e.g., Rybelsus).

What is it used for?

It has two main indications:

• Type 2 diabetes: along with diet and exercise, it improves blood sugar control, aids insulin secretion, and inhibits glucagon secretion.
• Obesity / overweight treatment: adults with a BMI ≥ 30, or ≥ 27 with weight-related comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia).

Newer studies also show it to be effective in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASH), with a response rate of almost two-thirds in patients.

How does it affect the body?

Semaglutide reduces body weight and blood sugar through several mechanisms:

• increases insulin secretion, decreases glucagon secretion,
• slows gastric emptying,
• reduces appetite through its central nervous system effect.

Additionally, it favorably modifies lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk profiles, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in appropriate populations.

Side effects and safety

The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal:

• nausea, vomiting,
• abdominal pain, diarrhea,
• constipation.

Newer data suggest that the proportion of patients treated with semaglutide who end up in the emergency department due to these side effects is relatively low, and in most cases, these are gastrointestinal symptoms, less frequently hypoglycemia or allergic reactions.

Important medical considerations

Semaglutide is a strictly prescription-only drug, and according to professional guidelines, it is a diabetes medication, not a "diet bonus drug" (although its weight-reducing effect is strong).

 

* DIO mouse

DIO = Diet-Induced Obesity

A DIO mouse is a mouse model fed a very high-fat diet (typically around 60% of total caloric intake from fat), leading to significant weight gain and obesity within a few months.

In such a model, body weight can increase by more than 100%, and it is used for research into insulin resistance, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and other obesity-related conditions.