The Role of GLP-1RA Medications in Medical Weight Loss and the Positive Impacts on Lipid Management

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Obesity pharmacotherapy is rapidly evolving with the ability of glucagon-like peptide- 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) to improve atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) outcomes. This review focuses on how GLP-1RAs impact lipid-related outcomes. Recent Findings: Beyond weight reduction, GLP-1RAs have shown positive cardiovascular outcomes in patients with elevated ASCVD risk, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, obstructive sleep apnea, blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. The SELECT trial has shown reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events. This and other trials have shown improvements in patients’ lipid profiles with the most pronounced impact on reduction of triglycerides. Summary: Obesity is a chronic progressive disease with increasing prevalence in the United States and around the world. GLP-1RA medications are the first pharmacotherapy for obesity with demonstrable cardiovascular benefits and ASCVD risk reduction. The positive impact of GLP-1RA therapy on lipids is an important contributor to these outcomes.