# A Narrative Review of the Metabolic Benefits of GLP-1 and GIP Receptor Agonists in Obesity

**Authors:** Andrew-Hyun Lee, Deborah Jane Holmes-Walker

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/healthcare14060734 · Healthcare · 2026-03-13

## TL;DR

This review explores how GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists help with weight loss and improve metabolic health in people with obesity.

## Contribution

The paper synthesizes current evidence on the metabolic benefits and long-term implications of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists in obesity.

## Key findings

- GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists lead to significant weight loss in overweight and obese individuals.
- These therapies improve glycemic control and have positive effects on multiple organ systems.
- Long-term benefits include potential prevention of metabolic diseases, though more research is needed.

## Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and dual GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists are highly effective therapies for overweight and obesity due to their potent ability to provide significant amounts of weight loss. There is also increasing evidence in their medium- to long-term benefits to metabolic outcomes in those with obesity, due to improvements in weight and glycemia, as well as direct action of GLP-1 on multiple organ systems. This narrative review examines the literature behind the metabolic effects in those with overweight and obesity, as well as the implications of long-term use in regard to the safety and cost-effectiveness of these agents. Improvement and prevention of metabolic disease with GLP-1 therapies remains promising, although studies of longer duration are required to further expand indications and confirm safety of therapy.

## Linked entities

- **Proteins:** GCG (glucagon), GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide)
- **Diseases:** obesity (MONDO:0011122), metabolic disease (MONDO:0005066)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** GLP1R (glucagon like peptide 1 receptor) [NCBI Gene 2740] {aka GLP-1, GLP-1-R, GLP-1R}, GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) [NCBI Gene 2695], GCG (glucagon) [NCBI Gene 2641] {aka GLP-1, GLP1, GLP2, GRPP}
- **Diseases:** overweight (MESH:D050177), weight loss (MESH:D015431), Obesity (MESH:D009765), metabolic disease (MESH:D008659)
- **Chemicals:** glycemia (MESH:D001786)

## Full text

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## References

108 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13026324/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13026324