• Diana Isaacs, Lalita Prasad-Reddy, and Sneha Baxi Srivastava.
• Chicago State University, Chicago, ILOak Lawn VA Clinic of Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Oak Lawn, IL. dianamisaacs@gmail.com.
• Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2016 Oct 1; 73 (19): 1493-507.

PurposePublished data on the weight loss effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are reviewed, with a focus on data from clinical trials.SummaryObesity is a significant health problem in the United States (an estimated 69% of U.S. adults are overweight and nearly 35% are obese), and few drugs have proven safety and efficacy as adjuncts to lifestyle modification for weight management. GLP-1 receptor agonists are used for glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and have been studied for their weight loss effects in patients with and without diabetes; these agents produce weight loss benefits through their effects on satiety and gastric emptying. In December 2014, the liraglutide product Saxenda (Novo Nordisk) became the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in long-term weight management. Results of clinical trials that evaluated the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy on weight and body mass index indicated outcomes comparable or superior to those achieved with the use of other antiobesity agents. As a class, GLP-1 receptor agonists have a generally more favorable safety profile than several other antiobesity agents; transient, mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal symptoms were the most frequently reported adverse effects in clinical trials.ConclusionOriginally marketed for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists have been found effective for weight reduction in patients with and without type 2 diabetes. Liraglutide is currently the only GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by FDA for obesity treatment.Copyright © 2016 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.

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