From house cats to hourglass: UF tests Ozempic-style implant on cats
A new study from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is exploring whether GLP-1–based weight loss therapies — similar to medications used in human obesity treatment — could help address one of the most widespread health problems in companion animals: feline obesity.
Veterinary researcher Chen Gilor is leading a pilot study testing a GLP-1 weight management drug called MEOW-1 (ManagEment of OverWeight cats). The study, which began in December 2025, has enrolled approximately 50 obese cats and represents one of the first major efforts to adapt human metabolic drugs into long-acting veterinary weight management therapies.
GLP-1 Drugs Move From Human Medicine to Veterinary Research
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs mimic a naturally occurring gut hormone that helps regulate appetite and glucose metabolism. In humans, medications in this class are widely known for treating Type 2 diabetes and have gained popularity for weight loss management.
These medications work by:
Stimulating insulin release
Slowing gastric emptying
Reducing appetite signals in the brain
The best-known human medications in this category include drugs popularly associated with weight loss treatment trends in human medicine, often referenced in media coverage of metabolic health and celebrity weight transformations.
The MEOW-1 Implant: Long-Acting Weight Control for Cats
What makes the study particularly novel is the delivery method. MEOW-1 is administered through a small subcutaneous implant, slightly larger than a microchip, that slowly releases medication over as long as six months.
In the placebo-controlled study:
Two-thirds of enrolled cats receive the drug
One-third serve as controls
Researchers monitor weight, appetite, and metabolic markers over three months
Owners can elect to extend participation for an additional three months
The long-acting implant design may offer advantages for owners who struggle with administering medications or managing complex feeding protocols.
Addressing the Feline Obesity and Diabetes Crisis
The research is driven by the growing prevalence of metabolic disease in cats.
In the United States:
Approximately 600,000 cats are diabetic
Nearly 60% of cats are classified as overweight or obese
GLP-1 therapies may be particularly relevant for feline patients because most diabetic cats develop Type 2 diabetes, unlike dogs, which primarily develop Type 1 diabetes. This biological difference makes cats more responsive to insulin-modulating and appetite-regulating therapies.
Dr. Gilor has spent decades studying GLP-1–related treatments, originally focusing on feline diabetes before expanding into obesity prevention strategies.
“One of the goals is not just treating obesity, but preventing diabetes before it develops,” he said.
Veterinary professionals often note that once diabetes is diagnosed in cats, treatment compliance can become challenging. Some cats are euthanized when owners are unable to manage twice-daily insulin injections.
Veterinary Concerns About Appetite Suppression and Safety
While the potential benefits are significant, some veterinarians urge caution until more safety data are available.
Dr. Kaela Navarro, a veterinarian practicing in Gainesville, noted that appetite suppression is a major clinical consideration. Cat owners may be reluctant to use medications that significantly reduce appetite, since cats are prone to hepatic lipidosis if they stop eating.
Other concerns include:
Skin and coat health changes associated with obesity
Reduced grooming ability in overweight cats
Potential gastrointestinal or metabolic side effects
Dr. Kimberly Hall de Vries, a veterinarian in Florida, also emphasized that obesity increases risk for:
Diabetes
Orthopedic disease
Urinary tract disease
Cardiovascular stress
Certain cancers
She noted that ideal feline body condition should resemble an hourglass shape when viewed from above, with a visible waistline behind the ribs.
Implant Technology and Inflammatory Risk Considerations
The MEOW-1 implant is designed to be biologically inert, but veterinarians remain attentive to potential injection-site reactions.
Some animals can develop inflammatory responses to subcutaneous implants or injections, which in rare cases could contribute to tumor formation or localized tissue reactions. Researchers believe inflammation risk is more closely associated with immune activation from the medication rather than the physical presence of the implant.
Dr. Gilor said preliminary design testing suggests the capsule itself does not provoke inflammatory reactions.
Early Results Show Weight Loss Trends
Although data are still preliminary, researchers report encouraging early trends. Cats receiving MEOW-1 are showing weight loss, while cats in the placebo group have not experienced similar changes.
The research team expects to publish full study results by summer and plans to pursue U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval within the next 18 to 24 months. If successful, the product could reach the veterinary market by 2028.
Future of Metabolic Medicine in Veterinary Patients
This study reflects a broader shift toward translational medicine — using human pharmaceutical discoveries to improve animal health outcomes.
If successful, GLP-1–based veterinary therapies could provide new tools for managing obesity-related disease while improving quality of life for millions of companion cats worldwide.
For veterinarians, the research underscores the growing importance of long-term metabolic disease prevention alongside traditional disease treatment.
