GLP-1

Summary

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is an incretin hormone whose therapeutic relevance is realized through GLP-1 receptor agonists such as liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, which are widely used for type 2 diabetes and weight management ^[2,4]. Meta-analytic human evidence shows these agents drive substantial weight loss, with discontinuation leading to proportional weight regain (pooled mean regain of 2.20 kg for liraglutide and 9.69 kg for semaglutide/tirzepatide) ^[2], and that semaglutide reduces incident atrial fibrillation by 42% in high-cardiovascular-risk patients regardless of oral or subcutaneous route ^[4]. Pharmaceutical advances include oral semaglutide formulations enabled by absorption-enhancing coformulation ^[3]. Important caveats include weight regain on stopping therapy and insufficient safety evidence in pregnancy, where adverse effects can neither be confirmed nor excluded ^[1,2]. The human evidence base is large and robust, supported by numerous randomized trials and meta-analyses ^[2,4].

Sources

1. 1. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use in pregnancy: a review American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 2025.
2. 2. Discontinuing glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and body habitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 2025.
3. 3. Transcellular stomach absorption of a derivatized glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist Science translational medicine, 2018.
4. 4. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist semaglutide reduces atrial fibrillation incidence: A systematic review and meta-analysis European journal of clinical investigation, 2024.

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