Review covers emerging obesity pharmacotherapies beyond single GLP-1 agonists, including dual (GLP-1/GIP, GLP-1/glucagon) and triple receptor agonists, amylin analogs, and other peptide-based approaches.
Beyond single GLP-1Next-generation dual, triple agonists and amylin combinations promise 20-25%+ weight loss — approaching surgical results without surgery
What the researchers found
The obesity drug pipeline has expanded beyond single GLP-1 agonists to include dual agonists, triple agonists, and amylin combinations that promise 20-25%+ weight loss.
Why it matters
Current GLP-1 drugs achieve ~15-17% weight loss. Next-generation peptide drugs targeting multiple receptors could achieve 25%+ weight loss — approaching bariatric surgery results without surgery.
The numbers in context
Bariatric surgery achieves about 20–30% sustained weight loss. Specific drug weight loss percentages are covered in the full review.
How the study worked
Narrative review of emerging obesity pharmacotherapies with focus on peptide-based dual and triple receptor agonists and combination strategies.
Who was studied
Adults with obesity — broad review of treatment landscape
What this study cannot tell us
Many drugs reviewed are still in clinical trials. Long-term safety data is limited for newer agents. Greater weight loss may come with increased side effects. Cost and access remain major barriers.
How to read the evidence
Moderate evidence: review of clinical trial data for multiple emerging agents at various development stages.
When this study was published
Published in 2025. Captures the latest obesity drug pipeline including agents in phase 2 and 3 trials.
The bigger picture
We are in a golden age of peptide-based metabolic medicine. The evolution from single GLP-1 drugs to multi-receptor peptides represents one of the most rapid therapeutic advances in pharmaceutical history, with each generation achieving greater weight loss and broader metabolic benefits.
Questions still open
- Will triple agonists like retatrutide achieve weight loss comparable to bariatric surgery?
- Which multi-receptor combination provides the best balance of efficacy and tolerability?
- How will the obesity drug market evolve with so many competing peptide approaches?
Common questions
What comes after semaglutide for weight loss?
Could a pill replace bariatric surgery?
Read the original research
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor analogues and beyond: emerging obesity pharmacotherapies.
Panminerva medica, 67(3), 138-154
Citation
Abburi, Kaivalya; Melson, Eka; Miras, Alexander D; Papamargaritis, Dimitris. (2025). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor analogues and beyond: emerging obesity pharmacotherapies.. Panminerva medica, 67(3), 138-154. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0031-0808.25.05339-X