Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RAs) for Obesity and Symptoms in Menopause: A Review

TL;DR

This review explores how GLP-1 receptor agonists affect weight, menopause symptoms, and heart health in menopausal and postmenopausal women.

Contribution

The paper provides a focused review on the understudied effects of GLP-1RAs in menopausal women.

Findings

GLP-1RAs were associated with increased weight loss and reduced central adiposity in menopausal women.

Limited evidence suggests potential improvements in vasomotor symptoms and cardiovascular markers.

More research is needed to confirm effects on cardiovascular and bone health in this population.

Abstract

Background: The effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in menopausal and postmenopausal women are not well characterized and may differ from other patient populations, given their different hormone profiles. Current research evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on weight loss, cardiovascular markers such as total cholesterol, and vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in this patient population is limited.

Objective: This scoping review summarizes current articles on the effects of GLP-1RAs on central adiposity, VMS, and cardiovascular markers in menopausal and postmenopausal women.

Methods: A scoping search of PubMed and Embase was conducted to identify papers that explore the role of GLP-1RAs in menopause. Articles were chosen based on title and abstract relevance, study design, and metabolic variables used.

Results: Across the selected studies, GLP-1RAs were associated with increased weight loss and a decrease in central adiposity in menopausal and postmenopausal women. Limited studies also reported improved VMS and cardiovascular markers; however, further research is needed.

Conclusions: GLP-1RAs may offer benefits for menopausal women, especially regarding weight gain and VMS. Larger, more robust studies conducted in menopausal women are needed to determine effects on factors such as cardiovascular markers and bone density.