GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Research to Treat Overeating and Substance Use Disorders

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists have revolutionized the therapeutic landscape of diabetes and obesity, yet their therapeutic potential extends significantly further. Research using human data and animal models indicates that systemically administered GLP-1R agonists access receptors in the periphery and in the brain. The latter site of action underlies the apparent efficacy of GLP-1R agonists to treat pathological consummatory behaviors that lead not only to obesity but also to binge-type eating disorders, alcohol use disorder, and other substance use disorders. This article provides an overview of basic science research, human clinical data, and real-world observations relevant to these topics and presented in a symposium at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.