Adipose Tissue, at the Core of the Action of Incretin and Glucagon-Based Anti-Obesity Drugs

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Purpose of the review This review summarizes recent evidence highlighting the specific role of adipose tissue in the systemic effects of incretin agonist-based drugs used in the treatment of obesity. Recent findings The development of incretin agonist-based drugs has achieved unprecedented success in the pharmacological treatment of obesity and the improvement of obesity-related comorbidities. While initially shown to significantly reduce adipose tissue through decreased food intake, incretin-based therapy is also increasingly reported to alter the properties of adipose tissue. Recent experimental and human studies indicate that these anti-obesity drugs induce significant changes in the metabolism and inflammatory state of adipose tissue, while also promoting its thermogenic plasticity. The direct and indirect actions of incretin-based anti-obesity drugs, which modify the properties of adipose tissue, are emerging as key contributors to the systemic health benefits of these treatments.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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