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GLP-1-Based Therapies Beyond Weight Loss: Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Applications

Jayashri1
PUBLISHED
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AUTHORS01
DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER10.5281/zenodo.23982814
ARTICLE OVERVIEW
THE RESEARCH AT A GLANCE

Abstract

Background Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and the dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 agonist tirzepatide were developed for type 2 diabetes and later for chronic weight management. A growing body of randomised evidence now shows organ-level benefits that extend beyond glycaemia and weight. Objective: To review the cardiovascular, renal and metabolic applications of GLP-1-based therapies, their safety and limitations, emerging agents, and the role of the pharmacist in safe and effective use. Methods: Narrative review of randomised controlled trials, meta-analyses, guidelines and mechanistic literature. Findings: Cardiovascular outcome trials in type 2 diabetes and in obesity without diabetes show reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events, with a pooled reduction of about 14% in diabetes. Semaglutide and tirzepatide improve symptoms and outcomes in obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Semaglutide slows kidney disease progression in diabetic kidney disease, and both semaglutide and tirzepatide improve histological outcomes in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis; tirzepatide reduces the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea. Gastrointestinal adverse events are the main tolerability issue, and rare events (pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, ocular events) require vigilance. Weight regain after discontinuation, loss of lean mass, access, cost and unregulated compounded products are practical limitations. Conclusion: GLP-1-based therapies are best viewed as cardio-renal-metabolic medicines. Pharmacists are well placed to support appropriate selection, titration, adverse-effect management, monitoring and adherence.

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Keywords

Glp-1 Receptor AgonistsSemaglutideTirzepatideCardiovascular OutcomesChronic Kidney DiseaseHeart FailureMetabolic Dysfunction-associated SteatohepatitisObesityPharmacist
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Authors & affiliations

01

Jayashri

Intern, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Paramedical Sciences , College of Pharmacy Cimbatore

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Jayashri. GLP-1-Based Therapies Beyond Weight Loss: Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Applications. ClinSphere Journals. 2026;undefined(undefined):1-6. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23982814
THE EVIDENCE BASE

References

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