Our comprehensive human social practice project is stakeholder-centric, aiming to gather diverse feedback through in-depth investigations and active participation in relevant current events. Based on this feedback, we continuously adjust project goals and optimize implementation plans. We categorize stakeholders into three main groups: consumers, academia, and businesses, all closely related to the weight loss and future pharmaceutical industries. Through this analysis, we aim to meet the needs of all parties and promote the project's development.
At the beginning of the project, we created a stakeholder map to clearly identify the primary and secondary stakeholder groups. We conducted a detailed analysis and verification process. This helped us better understand the needs and concerns of various stakeholders, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent work of the project.
In the 603 data entries we collected, 62.02% of individuals expressed anxiety about their body shape and a desire for management. This result highlights the urgent need many have for weight loss. It not only reflects the modern society's focus on body image but also reveals potential market opportunities, providing crucial support for our project development in the weight loss sector.
In a statistical survey of 603 individuals, 462 had attempted weight loss, accounting for 76.62%. Among them, 70.48% used exercise and fitness as their method, while 49.09% relied on dietary adjustments. This indicates that exercise and dietary regulation are commonly chosen weight loss strategies, likely due to their relative simplicity and lower economic burden, making them accessible and feasible for the general public.
Common drawbacks of the weight loss methods people have tried include difficulty in maintaining consistency, lack of time, and insufficient visible results. Both exercise and dietary adjustments typically require long-term effort to achieve significant positive feedback. However, the lack of immediate results, combined with the fatigue from exercise and the monotony and hunger associated with dietary changes, makes it challenging for many to stick with these approaches. Without short-term incentives to motivate them, these methods often become even harder to sustain.
In the survey, 67.32% of respondents indicated that their spending on weight loss constitutes only a small portion of their total personal expenditures. Additionally, many individuals who have tried weight loss medications and injections felt that the prices were prohibitively high. This suggests that the general public is unwilling to invest significant amounts of money in weight loss efforts. Therefore, when pricing future products, we should consider setting reasonable prices to better meet consumer demands.
In the survey of 603 individuals, 41.63% expressed a willingness to take probiotics for weight loss, while 38.97% were unwilling to try them. Notably, 19.74% of respondents lacked understanding of the mechanisms by which probiotics aid weight loss, leading to concerns about safety; 3% worried about the lack of significant effects, and 1.7% were concerned about potential side effects. These findings indicate that if we develop probiotic products, we must prioritize addressing safety and side effect issues.
In our survey, user feedback was unidirectional, meaning the data analysis largely relied on our assumptions. To obtain more comprehensive feedback for project improvement, we actively engaged in two-way communication with relevant individuals. Through this interaction, we can not only help the public gain a deeper understanding of our project but also collect more genuine and comprehensive feedback, allowing us to effectively optimize our plans.
We interviewed a coach from a weight loss camp who emphasized that fitness is far more important than relying on weight loss pills. He pointed out that the key to weight loss lies in balancing calorie intake and expenditure. Although there are many weight loss products on the market, such as meal replacements, weight loss pills, and slimming teas, these products often work by reducing appetite or increasing excretion to lower calorie intake. However, this approach is not sustainable and may lead to side effects. In contrast, exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is an effective way to promote fat breakdown.
For individuals with a larger body mass, however, exercise may not be suitable, as it could place additional strain on their bodies. In such cases, they may need to rely on weight loss medications to assist in achieving safer and more effective weight loss goals.
After our lab work concluded, we contacted the coach of the weight loss camp by phone to update him on the progress of our project. He was very pleased and expressed excitement about our advancements in the weight loss field. Furthermore, he mentioned that if our product successfully reaches the market, he would be happy to recommend it to individuals in need, as part of his role as a coach, helping them achieve their weight loss goals.
Several members of our team have a larger body mass, so we collectively embarked on an exercise regimen. After a period of working out, while some weight changes were observed, one team member experienced noticeable knee pain. The coach explained that this pain was primarily due to the extra pressure placed on the knees during exercise because of the higher body weight, leading to injury. To protect the knees, the coach recommended pausing high-intensity workouts and shifting focus to dietary adjustments to reduce weight. Once the physical condition improves, we can gradually return to exercise. This experience highlighted that weight loss isn’t solely dependent on exercise, especially for individuals with a higher body mass, who may need supplementary methods to aid in weight reduction.
Our team members also personally realized that weight loss is very challenging self-control, unless there is outstanding perseverance, it is difficult to lose weight through exercise.
We interviewed a child in need of weight loss, and he admitted that he loves eating fried chicken and hamburgers, which has contributed to his excessive weight. Although he understands the need to control his diet, he finds it very difficult in practice. During his weight loss journey, he noticed that low-fat, low-oil, and low-salt foods often lack appeal, and the taste does not compare to the fast food he enjoys. Moreover, the hunger from dietary control makes the process even more challenging, making it harder for him to stay committed. He wishes to find healthy food options that can satisfy his cravings while still helping him lose weight.
We interviewed an individual who successfully lost weight, and he shared his weight loss journey. He believes that 50% of his success came from exercise, while the other 50% resulted from strict self-discipline. During the process, he often felt hungry but couldn’t eat freely, especially before bed, when he would repeatedly open the fridge and face the temptation of food. Due to his busy work schedule, he couldn’t exercise regularly, and eating too little made him experience heart discomfort. This difficult journey taught him that weight control requires not only willpower but also healthy methods.
Weight loss is not just a challenge of persistence; it also requires personalized adjustments based on each individual’s situation. For overweight working professionals with busy schedules, exercise might not always be a feasible solution, and they often struggle to effectively manage their diet on their own. In such cases, a healthy approach is needed to help them resist cravings and maintain balance during their weight loss journey.
Liu, a user of GLP-1, shared his experience with us.In the use of GLP-1 for nearly a year, Teacher Liu lost a cumulative weight of 15 kilograms. He mentioned that the effects were significant, but the injection method was uncomfortable. Additionally, the drug’s concentration could cause periodic physical discomfort, making its use more challenging. These issues require patients to carefully weigh the pros and cons during treatment.
We inquired at pharmacies about the current weight loss drugs on the market and their effectiveness. Orlistat is one common weight loss drug that can effectively reduce fat absorption, but users often experience the embarrassing side effect of "oil leakage," which many find bothersome. Sibutramine, a previously popular drug due to its significant results, has since been banned because of its severe side effects. This information gave us a deeper understanding of the available weight loss options and encouraged us to think about how to provide safer and more effective alternatives to meet consumer needs.
We spoke with someone currently trying to lose weight. Her method involves daily dietary restriction, but it has been extremely difficult to maintain, as she often struggles with food cravings and occasionally experiences binge eating. We introduced her to GLP-1 and mentioned its effectiveness, to which she expressed interest in trying it. However, she felt fearful of the injection method and found it hard to accept. If there were an oral supplement or medication form, she would be highly supportive.
For individuals with lower self-control, the current methods of weight loss can be particularly challenging. For most people, self-control itself is a major hurdle, and each failure can impose a significant psychological burden. Those with weaker mental resilience often fall into deep anxiety. Therefore, finding a gentler yet effective method of weight loss is crucial, as it would help reduce psychological stress while achieving weight loss goals effectively.
We also interviewed a weight loss influencer on TikTok with 359,000 followers. She admitted that due to her current excessive weight, she cannot use exercise as a weight loss method, as it would place additional strain on her body. During our conversation, we introduced her to GLP-1, and she expressed a strong interest, particularly if it could be used in an oral form. This feedback played a key role in our decision to develop our product as an oral capsule.
Through our discussion, we have realized that weight loss is a highly challenging process, requiring exceptional willpower. It demands a combination of dietary control and increased physical activity. GLP-1 has shown promising results and holds potential as a future treatment direction. However, its current method of administration via injection discourages many from trying it. If we could develop a non-injection method for using GLP-1, it would have tremendous prospects and likely attract a much wider audience.
Through our communication with target customers, we designed a plan to produce GLP-1 using gut microbiota to avoid the inconvenience of injections. However, the rapid degradation of GLP-1 prompted us to seek methods to slow its breakdown. To address this, we interviewed a researcher from the Guangdong Institute of Microbiology. She pointed out that GLP-1 is easily degraded by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) in the bloodstream, resulting in a very short half-life. She suggested that we design a DPP-4 protein inhibitor to extend the half-life of GLP-1 in the body, thereby enhancing its effectiveness.
Given our limited experience in this area, we later began developing the DPP-4 protein inhibitor under the guidance of a professor from the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
We first interviewed a team member who mentioned that weight control is not only a concern for overweight individuals but also for athletes who require rigorous weight management. To better understand whether our product would be suitable for athletes, we conducted interviews with several students from sports schools.
We spoke with athletes involved in fencing, trampoline, gymnastics, and martial arts. They generally expressed the need for precise dietary control and training plans. Solely relying on diet reduction for weight loss could lead to muscle loss, which is detrimental for athletes. They hope we can develop a muscle-building drug component that is not on the banned substances list.
Additionally, we interviewed their coaches. The coaches pointed out that using drugs to control weight and increase muscle not only violates sportsmanship but may also breach legal regulations. They emphasized that even if a drug is not currently classified as a stimulant, it could be added to the list in the future. They also noted that using GLP-1 for obese individuals might reduce the basal metabolic rate, which is not beneficial for weight loss. Therefore, ensuring that muscle is not lost is crucial for those needing to reduce fat.
Through our team’s efforts, we designed the production of Bimagrumab, which can bind to ActRIIA/ActRIIB, inhibit downstream signaling pathways, prevent muscle atrophy, and increase skeletal muscle density.
Our team members recently participated in the Synthetic Biology Forum, where the recurring theme of biosafety in synthetic biology was emphasized by multiple professors. The discussions highlighted the potential risks and challenges that synthetic biology projects can pose to both the environment and public health. Recognizing the importance of this issue, we are now planning to integrate a dedicated biosafety section into our project. This addition will help us ensure that our work aligns with best practices and safety protocols, fostering responsible and ethical scientific development.
We interviewed researchers from the Guangdong Institute of Microbiology to discuss our project and the topics shared at the Synthetic Biology Forum. To enhance the safety of our project, we plan to incorporate a biosafety system. The researchers suggested that we consider both in vivo and in vitro scenarios during the design phase. After discussion, we collaboratively designed a biosafety system tailored to our project, which will provide comprehensive risk management and response measures to ensure safety during application.
We participated in the Conference of China iGEMer Community (CCiC) to present our project and engage in productive discussions with other teams and experts in the field. It was an invaluable opportunity to share our work, exchange ideas, and gather constructive feedback from the iGEM community. The event allowed us to gain fresh perspectives, which will be instrumental in refining our project. The diverse viewpoints and suggestions we received have significantly contributed to enhancing our approach and addressing potential challenges in our design.
The doctor said this is a very promising direction, but we must pay attention to avoiding drug misuse, especially among individuals who are not overweight or obese but might use the medication for further weight loss, which could pose risks. She suggested that we limit our target population to those with a BMI greater than 30 or a BMI greater than 28 with obesity-related comorbidities. This demographic definition can ensure safer and more effective use of the medication while avoiding unnecessary health risks. Additionally, this positioning will help us clearly define our target audience in market promotion, enhancing the product's specificity and effectiveness.
We attended a seminar hosted by a microbial fermentation factory, where we gained an in-depth understanding of the various stages involved in microbial fermentation production. The experts meticulously explained each phase, from strain selection and cultivation to the precise control of fermentation conditions, offering us a detailed overview of industrial fermentation techniques. Additionally, discussions about the market prices and cost structures of microorganisms used in fermentation provided us with essential economic insights, which will be invaluable for the financial planning and strategic direction of our upcoming project.
We conducted two project promotions at different grades of Guangzhou Foreign Studies University, providing a detailed explanation of our plan. During the promotions, some students struggling with obesity expressed concerns about biosafety issues. We explained that we have designed multiple safety mechanisms to ensure safety. Additionally, we emphasized that before launching the product, we would conduct rigorous testing and adhere to relevant laws and regulations. They indicated that they would be willing to use our product once it is refined, as both exercise and dietary adjustments are very challenging for them. This feedback encouraged us and further solidified our commitment to addressing biosafety concerns.
We attended the second Guangzhou Biomedical Industry-Academia-Research Exchange Conference, where we engaged in in-depth discussions with professionals on-site. They explained the complex processes involved in the approval of medical drugs, including clinical trials, registration applications, and approval stages, which helped us better understand the intricacies of market entry. Additionally, Manager Zhou from Guangzhou Medical Research Institute Co., Ltd. shared insights on financing, emphasizing that sufficient funding support is crucial for the successful development of our project. This information provided valuable guidance for planning the next steps of our project and financing strategies, enhancing our awareness of future challenges.
Egypt is one of the countries with a high obesity rate, reaching 34.6%. Inflation has led many Egyptians to prefer purchasing cheap, high-calorie foods, which has become a significant factor driving the rise in obesity. Additionally, junk food is widely popular in households, further worsening the situation. Alongside increasing awareness campaigns to promote health, our project aims to assist populations in different countries. During our team's visit to Egypt, we interviewed local residents and learned that many struggle to control their weight due to weight issues and busy lifestyles. They expressed great interest in our project and looked forward to receiving practical help.
During the design, implementation, and future application phases of our project, we engaged in in-depth discussions with 27 individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore our project’s potential and gather valuable feedback. These stakeholders provided insights into the feasibility and societal impact of our work, which we incorporated into our project design. By integrating their perspectives, we developed a more robust and socially responsible approach. As a result, we refined our target customer segmentation and enhanced the safety and responsibility of our project plan, with a focus on public health improvement. Moving forward, we will continue to optimize our project, especially with regard to biosafety, ensuring that our solution is not only effective but also reliable and ethical in real-world applications.