Efficacy of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss Management in Non-Diabetic Patients.

Humna Anis Shaikh, Arturo P Jaramillo, Abdelrahman Abaza, Faten Sid Idris, Majdah T Al Rushaidi, Kiran Prasad Moparthi, Meghana Reddy Muddam, Omobolanle A Obajeun, Ilma Vahora, Lubna Mohammed

Journal: Cureus 2024;16(7):e65050

PMID: 39165448

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Plain Language Summary

Glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are routinely used in individuals with diabetes to aid blood sugar control, however effects such as weight loss means that it may be a good drug for those who have overweight or obesity and do not have diabetes. This review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of GLP-1RAs, in helping non-diabetic individuals lose weight.

The review showed that while obesity is often linked to poor diet and lack of exercise, genetic factors also play a role. With obesity affecting millions and leading to various health issues, including type 2 diabetes, many people seek ways to manage their weight.

It was concluded that GLP-1RAs may be good at aiding weight loss and may also have a heart protective effect. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in weight management for non-diabetic patients.

Abstract

The rising prevalence of obesity has led to a poor quality of life affecting millions worldwide. The lack of a healthy diet and exercise intervention are the major risk factors leading to obesity, as well as genetics. Obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, there are many people who are obese and do not have an established diagnosis of diabetes but want to reduce their body weight to improve their quality of life. This review aims to discuss the efficacy of the diabetic pharmacologic agents, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, on body weight. The review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines 2020 and includes a comprehensive search strategy. The articles gathered are from the last five to 10 years. The articles are collected from distinguished databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Science Direct. Of the 698 studies identified based on the screening methods, 22 were assessed for eligibility and 10 studies were included in the final review. The findings of this systematic review provide a bigger picture of the efficacy and safety of glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist agents. The review thoroughly discusses the risk factors for obesity and provides a treatment strategy that can be utilized in clinical practice in the future. The review concludes that glucagon-like peptide agents act as pharmacologic treatments for reduction in body weight and also serve as cardioprotective agents.

Address: Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.; Internal Medicine, St. George's University School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.; General Practice, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.; Psychology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.; Pediatrics, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.; Pathology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.; Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65050