Slow and Steady Wins the Race: 25 Years Developing the GLP-1 Receptor as an Effective Target for Weight Loss

Recent evidence from clinical trials supports the efficacy and tolerability of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists as useful agents for weight loss. Although originally developed as glucose lowering agents for people with type 2 diabetes, progress in research over the last 3 decades has demonstrated that GLP-1 receptor agonists act in the central nervous system to reduce food intake. This minireview summarizes key aspects of GLP-1 biology and the clinical studies supporting the utility of the GLP-1 receptor signaling system as a therapeutic target for weight loss.

Automated summary

Recent clinical trials have shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective and well-tolerated agents for weight loss. Originally developed for glucose control in type 2 diabetes, research over the past 30 years has demonstrated that GLP-1 receptor agonists also reduce food intake by acting in the central nervous system.