Key result
Long-term GLP-1 RAs confer durable cardiometabolic protection but discontinuation leads to rapid weight and risk relapse.
Why the study?
Despite the benefits of GLP-1 RAs, concerns persist regarding long-term adverse effects, leading to frequent discontinuation after weight loss.
Does long-term use of GLP-1 RAs prevent adverse outcomes compared to discontinuation in patients with obesity and cardiometabolic diseases?
Does long-term use of GLP-1 RAs prevent adverse outcomes compared to discontinuation in patients with obesity and cardiometabolic diseases?
This review aims to evaluate the risks and benefits of long-term GLP-1 RA therapy versus its discontinuation in patients with obesity and cardiometabolic diseases.
Supports continued long-term GLP-1 RA use to sustain benefits; leaves open definitive RCTs on discontinuation.
Obesity is a highly prevalent chronic disease strongly associated with cardiometabolic complications, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. The growing understanding of these interrelationships has fundamentally changed clinical approaches to their management. In this context, a new class of agents, the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), has gained increasing importance in patient care, supported by relevant scientific evidence that made them a first-line therapeutic option in various clinical settings. Nevertheless, in clinical practice, there is still concern about their long-term use and the potential risk of adverse effects. As a consequence, GLP1-RAs are often prescribed only for limited periods and discontinued once weight reduction has been achieved. The aim of this review is to examine the clinical effects and main indications of GLP-1 RAs and to compare the risk of long-term adverse outcomes associated with their use versus the risks related to their discontinuation.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Salerno et al. (2025) conducted a review in Obesity and cardiovascular diseases. GLP-1 receptor agonists vs. Placebo or treatment discontinuation was evaluated. Long-term therapy with GLP-1 receptor agonists confers durable cardiometabolic protection and weight loss, while discontinuation leads to rapid relapse of weight and cardiovascular risk factors.