The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists has become more popular in the last few years. Brands such as Ozempic and Mounjaro have now been called miracle drugs for their effect on managing blood sugar and weight loss. Indeed, GLP-1 agonists have been approved for the management of type 2 diabetes and are highly effective in diabetic and obese patients.
GLP-1 receptor agonists target several organs such as the pancreas, gut, and the brain to induce satiety, manage glucose metabolism, and regulate appetite. They are known to induce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity, reduced levels of ghrelin and enhance effects of peptide YY (PYY).
However, this expanded use as weight loss drugs does raise concerns by some experts. Firstly, the increased use of GLP-1 drugs for long term weight managements is not well studied and therefore potential side effects are not known. There have been some cases of pancreatitis, muscle loss, and increased heart rate associated with GLP-1 drugs use.
Additionally, the increased popularity of these drugs through social media and other modern media venues has dramatically affected accessibility for patients who need it. The perception that these results can induce weight loss fast has highlighted questions regarding preference for pharmacological agents to achieve such goal rather than lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise. This is despite a plethora of evidence supporting the fundamental health benefits of a regular regimen of activity and healthy diet.
GLP-1 agonists have undeniable potential and have aided many diabetic patients; however, caution is needed until their full effect is understood and a balanced regimen can be established for a better patient outcome.
ISI Related Testing: GLP-1, Ghrelin, PYY, Secretin, CCK, Substance P
- Wen, Z., Sun, W., Wang, H., Chang, R., Wang, J., Song, C., Zhang, S., Ni, Q., & An, X. (2025). Comparison of the effectiveness and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with overweight/obesity: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Diabetes research and clinical practice, 111999. Advance online publication. (Read the study)
- Logan, Pierce. (n.d.). On the Increase in Use of GLP-1s. Retrieved January 25, 2025, from https://medicine.iu.edu/blogs/bioethics/on-the-increase-in-use-of-glp-1s#:~:text=GLP%2D1s%20are%20seemingly%20miracle,from%20the%20FDA%20in%202013.
- Ilias, Ioannis, Lina Zabuliene, and Manfredi Rizzo. “GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Diabetes and Weight Loss: The Double-Edged Sword of Innovation and Risks.” Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare 5 (January 9, 2025): 1530811. (Full article).