GORD and GLP-1 receptor agonists: an emerging concern for gastroenterologists

The global rise in the prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions, with the associated comorbidities straining healthcare budgets and adversely affecting the quality and duration of patients’ lives. Any therapy that could bend the curve on this crisis would be welcome. The pharmaceutical class of glucacon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) has the potential to be a game changer. These agents, initially developed for glycaemic control, were found to cause significant weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. This observation led to trials in patients with obesity but without diabetes, and the resulting weight loss exceeded 8–10 kg at the highest doses evaluated.1 2 Newer agents additionally possessing glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) RA activity3 or both GIP and glucagon receptor RA activity4 have produced weight loss up to 20–25% of total body weight, results that rival those from bariatric surgery....
Source: Gut - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Gut Commentary Source Type: research