Olfactory dysfunction in obesity and type 2 diabetes: mechanistic insights from preclinical models – published online 30/05/2026

Janice Bulk, Laura Casanueva Reimon, Sophie M. Steculorum

Although olfaction has long been considered negligible in humans, growing evidence highlights its critical role across research areas, including ageing, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, quality of life, and metabolic regulation. In this issue, Bulk, Casanueva Reimon and Steculorum (https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-026-06755-w) summarise the relationship between obesity, type 2 diabetes and olfactory dysfunction, focusing on mechanistic insights gained from preclinical rodent models. While human studies link increased adiposity to altered olfactory function, genetic and diet-induced rodent models reveal a bidirectional relationship: metabolic disturbances are associated with impaired olfactory function, while alterations in the olfactory system can drive metabolic phenotypes. Together, these findings emphasise the close interplay between olfactory circuits and energy homeostasis. This emerging perspective positions the olfactory system as a promising, yet underappreciated, target for novel therapeutic strategies in obesity and type 2 diabetes. The figures from this review are available as a downloadable slideset.

All News