The Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Chemosensory Function and Ingestive Behavior

The goal of this study is to explore whether of GLP-1 receptor agonist use is associated with differences in taste, smell, food preferences, appetite, food cravings, and responses to food cues in adults. The study includes adults who are not currently taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist but may be eligible to use one, and adults who are already taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist as part of their regular medical care for approximately 1 month or approximately 6 months. The main questions it aims to answer are: Are taste and smell function different among adults who are not taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist and adults who have been taking one for different lengths of time? Are food preferences, appetite, food cravings, food reward, attention to food cues, and salivary responses to food cues different among these groups? Researchers will compare adults not currently taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist with adults taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist for approximately 1 month or approximately 6 months. The research team will not prescribe, assign, or provide GLP-1 receptor agonist medications. People in the study will attend two in-person study visits, complete taste and smell tests, complete food preference and computer-based tasks, and provide saliva samples during a food cue task. Questionnaires about appetite, cravings, food cues, and eating behavior will be completed at home over approximately 2 weeks.