Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Chronic Weight Management
Open accessAbstract
Rates of obesity have risen over the past few decades. Subsequently, the popularity of the pharmaceutical weight-loss drug market has grown over the past few years to meet growing demand. Among the most commonly prescribed drugs for weight management, many are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists) which are also utilized for the management of type 2 diabetes. There is a substantial and growing body of research comparing the efficacy of different clinical trials and examining long-term safety. This literature review examines the rise of off-label prescribing practices in the management of weight, with a focus on GLP-1 agonists. Physicians and patients should be aware of the unique aspects of existing treatment options, the impacts of off-label prescribing, and the effects of these medications. This review emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making, as well as the need for further research to guide future clinical practice.
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Despite sharing a therapeutic class, individual GLP-1 RAs can exhibit diverse biological effects and safety profiles due to their distinct molecular structures and mechanisms of action.
“This approach is grounded in the understanding that despite sharing a therapeutic class, individual GLP-1 RAs can exhibit diverse biological effects and safety profiles due to their distinct molecular structures and mechanisms of action [1,4,5,6].”
From Assessment of Thyroid Carcinogenic Risk and Safety Profile of GLP1-RA Semaglutide (Ozempic) Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity: A Systematic Literature Review (2024) · cites this paper as [5]
The Introduction discusses comparisons of GLP-1 agonists’ efficacy, benefits, and side effects. Sections 3.3, 4.3, and 5.3 describe structural and mechanistic differences among semaglutide, tirzepatide, and danuglipron. The paper does not establish that those differences cause the drugs’ differing safety profiles; page numbers were not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.83)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredSemaglutide has demonstrated significant utility in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity as a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
“The drug has demonstrated significant utility in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, thanks to its action as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) [4,5,6].”
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“…two GLP-1RAs, on the other hand, provide a pharmaceutical option for controlling obesity and the risk of CVD. GLP-1RAs are powerful incretin mimetics that lower blood pressure, increase endothelial function, and enhance glycemic management in addition to helping people lose weight [10,11].”
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“This leads to increased insulin secretion, decreased glucagon secretion in response to glucose levels, delayed emptying of the stomach, reduced food intake through appetite suppression, and ultimately lower blood glucose levels along with aiding in weight loss [7].”
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“This includes medications such as GLP-1RAs, including semaglutide, which has been approved by the FDA for use in weight management in adults since June 2021 and pediatric patients aged 12 or older since December 2022 [5].”
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- Authors
- Wojtara, M., Mazumder, A., Syeda, Y., & Mozgała, N.
- Affiliations
- University of Michigan (US)
- University of Toronto (CA)
- Toronto Metropolitan University (CA)
- Jan Kochanowski University (PL)
- Corresponding author
- Wojtara, Magda
- Venue
- Advances in Medicine
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2023-09-20
- Volume
- 2023
- Pages
- 1-7
- ISSN
- 2314-758X (ISSN-L)
- 2356-6752
- PMC
- PMC10533252
- OpenAlex
- W4386884028
- Cited by
- 36
- References
- 37
- Citations by year
- 2026: 11 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 3
- FWCI
- 1.31
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- hybrid
- doi.org
- Locations
- Advances in Medicine (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- TSpace (University of Toronto) (submittedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Pharmacology and Obesity Treatment
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes Treatment and Management
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Regulation of Appetite and Obesity
- Keywords
- GLP-1 receptor agonists, obesity, weight management, off-label drug use, anti-obesity drugs, type 2 diabetes, long-term safety, drug efficacy, informed decision-making
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