Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 on appetite and weight. Preclinical data and clinical studies [Effetti del glucagon-like peptide-1 sull'appetito e sul peso. Dati preclinici e studi clinici]

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Pharmacological treatments of diabetes are mostly associated with weight gain, an undesirable event due to the fact that an increase in adiposity, especially visceral, is associated with reduced insulin sensitivity, worse cardiovascular risk profile and decreased adherence to treatment. Analogues of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) represent a new therapeutic option for type 2 diabetes, which offer the advantage of combining beneficial effects on metabolic control with a significant reduction in body weight.