A clinical review examines the physical and psychological effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are approved for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction.
FDA-approved for dual indicationsGLP-1 receptor agonists are approved for both type 2 diabetes management and cardiovascular risk reduction, with emerging evidence for benefits in obesity and related conditions.
What the researchers found
GLP-1 receptor agonists are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction, with beneficial effects extending to obesity and related conditions. The article discusses both the physiologic mechanisms and the psychological effects of these medications, providing a clinical overview of their safety and effectiveness profile.
Why it matters
As GLP-1 receptor agonists become among the most widely prescribed medications worldwide, understanding both their physical and psychological effects is critical for healthcare providers and patients. This review addresses the dual nature of these drugs — their metabolic benefits alongside their mental health impacts — which is increasingly relevant as prescriptions expand beyond diabetes to obesity management.
How the study worked
This is a narrative review article published in a nursing journal, synthesizing current evidence on the safety and effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes, obesity, and related conditions, with attention to both physiologic and psychologic outcomes.
Who was studied
People with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease
What this study cannot tell us
As a narrative review in a clinical nursing journal, this article does not present original data or follow systematic review methodology. The abstract provides limited detail on the specific psychologic effects discussed in the full article.
How to read the evidence
This is a narrative review article from a nursing journal that summarizes existing evidence rather than presenting original research data. It provides a useful clinical overview but sits lower on the evidence hierarchy.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, this review reflects the most current understanding of GLP-1 receptor agonist effects, including the recent expansion of their use for obesity.
The bigger picture
GLP-1 receptor agonists have rapidly become one of the most talked-about medication classes in modern medicine. While their metabolic benefits are well-established, the conversation about their psychological effects — including potential impacts on mood, appetite psychology, and quality of life — is still evolving. This review captures the state of knowledge on both dimensions for frontline healthcare providers.
Questions still open
- What specific psychological effects of GLP-1 RAs should clinicians monitor for in their patients?
- How do the psychologic effects of GLP-1 RAs compare across different drugs in the class?
- Are certain patient populations more susceptible to psychological side effects from GLP-1 RAs?
Common questions
What are GLP-1 receptor agonists and what are they used for?
Can GLP-1 medications affect your mood or mental health?
Read the original research
The physiologic and psychologic effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.
Nursing, 55(9), 48-54
Citation
Browne-Bradwisch, Sarah A; Smith, Erin Murphy; Wilson-Mooney, Catherine; Donahue-Stathis, Courtney. (2025). The physiologic and psychologic effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.. Nursing, 55(9), 48-54. https://doi.org/10.1097/NSG.0000000000000223