Reflections on the discovery GLP-1 as a satiety hormone: Implications for obesity therapy and future directions

Abstract

Scientists were chasing an incretin hormone, and when GLP-1 was finally discovered, we found that it had a pronounced satiety effect, slowed down gastric emptying, and actually reduced postprandial insulin response. These mechanisms are the basis for the highly efficacious GLP-1 analogues that today offer safe and effective treatment in millions of people living with obesity. Moreover, the combined GLP-1 mechanisms of weight loss and delayed carbohydrate absorption may also be the key drivers of remission of type 2 diabetes and reduced cardiovascular events found by GLP-1 analogues.