University of Pennsylvania Mar 6 2026 Few drugs have entered mainstream awareness as quickly or as dramatically as glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1 receptor agonists. Initially approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, they have since also transformed the therapeutic landscape of obesity and weight management. These medications are clearly effective. They stimulate the release of insulin and suppress the release of glucagon , another hormone, to help control blood sugar levels,