Glucagonlike Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly—Benefits for Glucose Control and Weight Loss with Side Effects of Delaying Gastric Emptying
Henry P. Parkman, Daniel Rim, Jonathan Anolik, Simin Dadparvar, Alan H. Maurer
Abstract
Glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) are being increasingly used for glycemic control in patients with diabetes and for weight loss and weight management in obese subjects. There has been recent public awareness of the potential of GLP-1 RAs to delay gastric emptying and cause gastroparesis. By delaying gastric emptying, these agents can complicate the clinical evaluation of patients on these drugs by affecting diagnostic testing for gastroparesis. This article discusses GLP-1 RAs and their effects on gastric emptying, gastric food retention, and gastroparesis. This article highlights how physicians should be attuned to the gastric side effects of these popular therapeutic agents for blood glucose control in people with diabetes and for weight loss and weight management in obese patients.