Published on September 4, 2025
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are revolutionizing the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. These medications mimic the action of the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone, providing multiple benefits for patients struggling with blood sugar control and weight management. Below are some salient features of these drugs.
How Do GLP-1 Agonists Work?
These drugs:
- Increase insulin secretion and reduce glucagon release. These hormonal changes reduce blood glucose.
- Slow the emptying of the stomach contents into the intestines. This reduces the speed at which food is digested and sugar is absorbed in the digestive tract.
- Reduce appetite, resulting in lower calorie intake.
The GLP-1 drugs approved in the United States are exenatide, liraglutide, semaglutide and dulaglutide. Another drug, tirzepatide has an additional mechanism of action, and therefore may show better results in blood glucose and weight reduction.
What are GLP-1 Agonists used for?
GLP-1 drugs are used for the following conditions:
- Treatment of type 2 diabetes not controlled by diet and exercise. They reduce the risk of heart-related events in these patients, especially in those with previous heart disease. Some of the drugs could also reduce the risk of kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Treatment of obesity, especially in those with weight-related conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and abnormal cholesterol levels
- Treatment of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Semaglutide has recently been approved by the US FDA to treat this condition in adults with moderate-to-advanced fibrosis but without cirrhosis.
Here are some important facts about these drugs:
- Among these drugs, only semaglutide is available in tablet form. All other drugs (as well as semaglutide) are available as injections.
- Not all the drugs are used for all the conditions mentioned above. For example, exenatide is used only to treat type 2 diabetes, liraglutide is used for type 2 diabetes and at a higher dose, for obesity. It is therefore necessary to follow the physician’s advice carefully when using the medications.
- Oral semaglutide is used only to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. For other purposes such as weight loss or MASH, the injection form is approved.
- These drugs cannot be used for people with type 1 diabetes.
Side Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
The most common adverse events involve the digestive system:
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea: These usually subside with continued use. The nausea can be reduced by eating smaller, meals, eating slowly; avoiding high-fat foods, and limiting the intake of alcohol and carbonated drinks.
- Constipation, abdominal pain: Reported less often.
- Injection site reactions: Itching, redness, or swelling.
- Other symptoms: Headache, appetite changes, and feelings of fullness. Patients may need diet counseling to ensure that they do not suffer from nutritional deficiency due to the reduced appetite.
Serious but Rare Side Effects
- Pancreatitis and gallbladder issues (gallstones, inflammation).
- Kidney damage (from dehydration).
- Low blood glucose levels (risks rise if combined with other antidiabetes medications).
- Potential thyroid tumors, though not confirmed. It not recommended for those with a family history of medullary thyroid cancer.
- Other rare adverse events: Bowel obstruction, severe allergic reactions.
Most side effects are temporary and manageable. Patients should be closely monitored when starting these medications or increasing doses, especially for gastrointestinal reactions.
Key Takeaways
GLP-1 receptor agonists are transforming diabetes and obesity care with proven benefits in blood sugar control, cardiovascular and kidney risk reduction, and significant weight loss outcomes. These medications differ in dosing, formulation, and duration, and could result in rare but serious side effects —always consult a healthcare professional before starting and during treatment with any GLP-1 agonist.
Reference:
Liu QK (2024) Mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications of GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists. Front. Endocrinol. 15:1431292. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1431292
Disclaimer: The information provided in this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional, or the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider for any medical condition, procedure, or treatment.
Insights on Health and Wellness 