The Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on the Brain’s Addiction and Satiety Networks

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), with one of the most recognized being Ozempic, have increased in popularity for their abilities to help individuals with obesity or type 2 diabetes experience weight loss results. These medications mimic the GLP-1 hormone secreted by intestinal L-cells in response to the ingestion of a meal to slow gastric emptying, help regulate blood glucose levels, and promote feelings of fullness. A large aspect of their success in stimulating weight loss comes from their ability to bind to GLP1 receptors in the hypothalamus, which stimulates satiety by activating neurons that produce satiety signals while inhibiting neurons that promote hunger, lowering overall food consumption and reducing appetite as a result. The impact that altering feeding networks in the brain can have on weight management illustrates the strong correlation between levels of food consumption and psychological aspects of hunger and fullness. While GLP-1 RAs are effective in providing weight loss results, they often come with adverse effects, such as nausea and headaches. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms behind GLP-1 RAs in the brain altering feeding behavior may help to develop future treatments that have a similar function in stimulating weight-loss but do not result in harmful side effects.