Energy balance
Targeting thermogenesis via β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) activation can increase energy expenditure and promote brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity, offering a complementary mechanism to GLP-1 agonists for obesity management.
Research is actively exploring medications that activate brown fat (thermogenesis) to burn more calories. While not yet standard care, these drugs (like β3-agonists) work by increasing energy expenditure. They may eventually be used alongside GLP-1 medications to overcome weight loss plateaus. Current options are limited by side effects, but newer, more selective drugs are showing promise in clinical trials.
β3-AR activation can increase energy expenditure, fat breakdown, and improve insulin sensitivity, making it a potential therapeutic target for conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Why this rating
Evidence is mixed between rodent models (strong) and human trials (limited by side effects and receptor density).
Source
Thermogenic Targets for Obesity Management in the Era of Incretin-Based Therapies
Sahar Soliman et al. · Pharmaceuticals · 2025
DOI 10.3390/ph18101519
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