Efficacy and Safety of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Adults with Overweight/Obesity: A Systematic Review

Abstract

GLP-1 supplementation serves to mimic the physiological effects of the GLP-1 receptor agonist hormone produced naturally by the body. The primary functions of the GLP-1 hormone include blood glucose control, increased satiety, and managing blood pressure. Historically, the GLP-1 drug has been used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but with the rise of the global obesity epidemic, use has been pivoted towards answering this worsening health challenge. This systematic review compiled an assortment of research studies geared towards assessing if GLP-1 treatment is a safe and effective method for weight loss in overweight and obese adults. The study outcomes included mean change in body weight, change in waist circumference, and the occurrence of adverse events. Following the literature review, the majority of studies contained results that would favor the overall safe use of the GLP-1 drug. GLP-1 usage was consistently associated with significant decreases in body mass and waist circumference alongside non-life-threatening adverse events. However, the incidence of adverse events among intervention groups was observed to be relatively high. With various health organizations (WHO, ADA, and AND) providing conditional guidelines concerning the GLP-1 drug, further research is warranted for stronger evidence and conclusions for overweight/obese populations.