Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Based Therapies: A New Horizon in Obesity Management

• Published in: Endocrinology and metabolism (Seoul) 2024, 39(2), , pp.206-221
• Main Authors: Son, Jang Won, Lim, Soo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Anti-Obesity Agents - therapeutic use; glucagon; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 - metabolism; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 - therapeutic use; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor - agonists; Glucagon-Like Peptides - therapeutic use; glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide; Humans; multiagonist; obesity; Obesity - drug therapy; Obesity Management - methods; 내과학
• ISSN: 2093-596X; 2093-5978
• DOI: 10.3803/EnM.2024.1940

Obesity is a significant risk factor for health issues like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It often proves resistant to traditional lifestyle interventions, prompting a need for more precise therapeutic strategies. This has led to a focus on signaling pathways and neuroendocrine mechanisms to develop targeted obesity treatments. Recent developments in obesity management have been revolutionized by introducing novel glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) based drugs, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. These drugs are part of an emerging class of nutrient-stimulated hormone-based therapeutics, acting as incretin mimetics to target G-protein-coupled receptors like GLP-1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon. These receptors are vital in regulating body fat and energy balance. The development of multiagonists, including GLP-1-glucagon and GIP-GLP-1-glucagon receptor agonists, especially with the potential for glucagon receptor activation, marks a significant advancement in the field. This review covers the development and clinical efficacy of various GLP-1-based therapeutics, exploring the challenges and future directions in obesity management.