Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 3 complete abstracts (628 words), 9 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Compounds that stimulate the activity of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are used to treat TYPE 2 diabetes and obesity.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Glucagon Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists; GLP-1 Agonists; Agonists, GLP-1; GLP 1 Agonists; GLP-1 Receptor Agonists; GLP 1 Receptor Agonists; GLP1 Agonists; Agonists, GLP1.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Hypoglycemic Agents
Related concepts
- Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 5,905 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists” (counts retrieved 2026-10-29). 4,976 of them (84.3%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2020 onward with 4,976 records.
Reviews account for 2,408 records (40.8%) and meta-analyses for 679. Randomized controlled trials number 335 (5.7%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 0 |
| 2000-2009 | 0 |
| 2010-2019 | 967 |
| 2020 onward | 4,976 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 2,408 | 40.8% |
| Meta-analyses | 679 | 11.5% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 335 | 5.7% |
Method: PubMed query "Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-29.
Reading the evidence in pharmacology
Drug evidence builds in layers: laboratory pharmacology describes how a compound acts, pharmacokinetic studies describe how the body handles it, and randomized trials test whether it helps and what harms it causes. Post-marketing surveillance and observational studies reveal rarer adverse effects but cannot prove causation. This page is educational and is not a recommendation to start, stop or change any medicine; decisions about treatment belong with a qualified clinician.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLP-1R-GIPR-PPARα/γ/δ quintuple agonism corrects obesity and diabetes in mice | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 8 | cc by PMID 42056522 · DOI · PMC13190304 |
| Dietary Strategies and Nutritional Management in Patients Receiving GLP-1 and Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonists as Adjuncts to Lifestyle Interventions: A Systematic Review of Randomised Clinical Trials | 2026 | Systematic review Design not recorded in structured metadata | 3 | cc by PMID 42037117 · DOI · PMC13244000 |
| Cardiometabolic Profiles of Oral and Subcutaneous Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Mono-Agonists in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis | 2026 | Systematic review Design not recorded in structured metadata | 3 | cc by PMID 41992023 · DOI · PMC13243969 |
GLP-1R-GIPR-PPARα/γ/δ quintuple agonism corrects obesity and diabetes in mice [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- There are increasing numbers of effective drugs to improve obesity-linked metabolic dysfunction; GLP-1R-GIPR co-agonism is effective in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes1,2, and lanifibranor-a nuclear-acting small-molecule triple agonist of PPARα, PPARγ and PPARδ-is in clinical phase 3 trials for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis3.
- Closing excerpt
- The metabolic action of GLP-1-GIP-lanifibranor is blunted in mice with genetic or pharmacological inhibition of GLP-1R, GIPR or PPARδ and is absent in DIO double incretin receptor-knockout mice, collectively suggesting that GLP-1-GIP-lanifibranor has substantial therapeutic value in the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (192 words)
There are increasing numbers of effective drugs to improve obesity-linked metabolic dysfunction; GLP-1R-GIPR co-agonism is effective in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes1,2, and lanifibranor-a nuclear-acting small-molecule triple agonist of PPARα, PPARγ and PPARδ-is in clinical phase 3 trials for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis3. Here, seeking to further improve the metabolic efficacy of GLP-1R-GIPR co-agonism, we report the development of a unimolecular quintuple agonist that combines the body weight-reducing and blood glucose-lowering effects of GLP-1R-GIPR co-agonism with the insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory effects of lanifibranor via its targeted delivery into GLP-1R- and GIPR-expressing cells. In vitro, GLP-1-GIP-lanifibranor is indistinguishable from GLP-1-GIP in relation to incretin receptor signalling and shows equal stimulation of insulin secretion in isolated mouse islets. In vivo, however, GLP-1-GIP-lanifibranor outperforms GLP-1R-GIPR co-agonism and semaglutide, further decreasing body weight, food intake and hyperglycaemia in obese and insulin-resistant mice through synergistic incretin and PPAR action. The metabolic action of GLP-1-GIP-lanifibranor is blunted in mice with genetic or pharmacological inhibition of GLP-1R, GIPR or PPARδ and is absent in DIO double incretin receptor-knockout mice, collectively suggesting that GLP-1-GIP-lanifibranor has substantial therapeutic value in the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42056522 · DOI · PMC13190304
Dietary Strategies and Nutritional Management in Patients Receiving GLP-1 and Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonists as Adjuncts to Lifestyle Interventions: A Systematic Review of Randomised Clinical Trials [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundGlucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual GIP/GLP-1 RAs are widely used to manage obesity, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, typically in combination with lifestyle interventions.
- Closing excerpt
- Further trials are needed to clarify protein requirements, assess musculoskeletal outcomes and establish evidence-based dietary recommendations to support combined treatment strategies.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (230 words)
BackgroundGlucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual GIP/GLP-1 RAs are widely used to manage obesity, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, typically in combination with lifestyle interventions. Their nutritional implications, however, remain unclear. This systematic review summarised evidence from randomised clinical trials investigating dietary strategies and nutritional management in individuals treated with these medications.MethodsThe review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251181076). Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science. Eligible studies were randomised clinical trials evaluating adults receiving GLP-1 or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists in conjunction with lifestyle or dietary guidance. Outcomes included gastrointestinal symptoms, muscle and bone health and nutritional adequacy.ResultsSixteen trials involving 7096 participants were included. GLP-1 and dual agonists consistently increased gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting. These effects were often dose-related and occurred despite background lifestyle or dietary interventions. Lean mass was generally preserved, with reductions proportional to overall weight loss. No study directly assessed bone health, and none reported clinically relevant nutritional deficiencies. Most trials presented a low risk of bias.ConclusionGLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists frequently cause gastrointestinal discomfort but tend to preserve lean mass during weight loss when used alongside lifestyle interventions. Although dietary guidance is commonly provided, evidence on optimal nutritional approaches remains limited. Further trials are needed to clarify protein requirements, assess musculoskeletal outcomes and establish evidence-based dietary recommendations to support combined treatment strategies.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42037117 · DOI · PMC13244000
Cardiometabolic Profiles of Oral and Subcutaneous Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Mono-Agonists in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- AimsTo characterize the cardiometabolic profiles of oral and subcutaneous glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor mono-agonists in adults with overweight or obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes (T2D), using network meta-analysis (NMA).
- Closing excerpt
- 2 mg tablet), demonstrated the most consistent multidimensional cardiometabolic improvements, although domain-specific differences were observed across agents.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (206 words)
AimsTo characterize the cardiometabolic profiles of oral and subcutaneous glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor mono-agonists in adults with overweight or obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes (T2D), using network meta-analysis (NMA).Materials and methodsPubMed, Embase and CENTRAL were searched (January 2014-November 2025) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating GLP-1 receptor mono-agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide and orforglipron) in adults with overweight or obesity. The primary outcome was the cardiometabolic efficacy index (CEI), a ranking-based composite (0 to 1) summarizing performance across seven cardiometabolic endpoints: total body weight loss percentage, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol-C, LDL-C, waist circumference, HbA1c and systolic blood pressure. Secondary outcomes included treatment effects for each individual CEI component.ResultsNineteen RCTs (N = 13 117) were analysed. Semaglutide 7.2 mg achieved the highest CEI (0.86), followed by orforglipron 36 mg (bioequivalent to Foundayo 17.2 mg tablet) (0.68) and semaglutide 2.4 mg (0.66), all exhibiting placebo-adjusted weight reductions ≥ 10%. CEI rankings were generally consistent across T2D and non-T2D subgroups. Among oral formulations in non-T2D adults, OFG 36 mg showed a CEI comparable to oral semaglutide 25 mg (0.67 vs 0.63).ConclusionsHigher-dose GLP-1 receptor mono-agonists, particularly semaglutide 7.2 mg and orforglipron 36 mg (Foundayo 17.2 mg tablet), demonstrated the most consistent multidimensional cardiometabolic improvements, although domain-specific differences were observed across agents.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41992023 · DOI · PMC13243969
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Cardiovascular, mortality, and kidney outcomes with GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiovascular outcome trials [4]
- Research article Sodium-glucose cotransporter protein-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials [5]
- Research article Cardiovascular outcomes with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in patients with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis [6]
- Research article Effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on kidney and cardiovascular disease outcomes: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials [7]
- Research article GLP-1 receptor agonists and cardiorenal outcomes in type 2 diabetes: an updated meta-analysis of eight CVOTs [8]
- Research article Safety issues with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and cholelithiasis): Data from randomized controlled trials [9]
References
- Liskiewicz D, Novikoff A, Khalil A, Akindehin S, Campbell JE, Candela P, et al.. GLP-1R-GIPR-PPARα/γ/δ quintuple agonism corrects obesity and diabetes in mice. . 2026. PMID 42056522 · DOI · PMC13190304
- de Paulo RS, Bonifácio DB, de Carvalho MHL, Bressan J. Dietary Strategies and Nutritional Management in Patients Receiving GLP-1 and Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonists as Adjuncts to Lifestyle Interventions: A Systematic Review of Randomised Clinical Trials. . 2026. PMID 42037117 · DOI · PMC13244000
- Lu Y, Chen J, Guo Y, Ding H, Liu YL, Van Name MA, et al.. Cardiometabolic Profiles of Oral and Subcutaneous Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Mono-Agonists in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. . 2026. PMID 41992023 · DOI · PMC13243969
- Kristensen SL, Rørth R, Jhund PS, Docherty KF, Sattar N, Preiss D, et al.. Cardiovascular, mortality, and kidney outcomes with GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiovascular outcome trials. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2019. PMID 31422062 · DOI
- Palmer SC, Tendal B, Mustafa RA, Vandvik PO, Li S, Hao Q, et al.. Sodium-glucose cotransporter protein-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2021. PMID 33441402 · DOI · PMC7804890
- Bethel MA, Patel RA, Merrill P, Lokhnygina Y, Buse JB, Mentz RJ, et al.. Cardiovascular outcomes with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in patients with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2018. PMID 29221659 · DOI
- Badve SV, Bilal A, Lee MMY, Sattar N, Gerstein HC, Ruff CT, et al.. Effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on kidney and cardiovascular disease outcomes: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2025. PMID 39608381 · DOI
- Giugliano D, Scappaticcio L, Longo M, Caruso P, Maiorino MI, Bellastella G, et al.. GLP-1 receptor agonists and cardiorenal outcomes in type 2 diabetes: an updated meta-analysis of eight CVOTs. Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2021. PMID 34526024 · DOI · PMC8442438
- Monami M, Nreu B, Scatena A, Cresci B, Andreozzi F, Sesti G, et al.. Safety issues with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and cholelithiasis): Data from randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2017. PMID 28244632 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-29.
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Evidence strength
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