GPCR-Mediated Mechanisms in Obesity: The Role of Ghrelin and GLP-1 Receptors

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate metabolism and transmit appetite cues throughout the brain and digestive system. Binding to GPCRs, ghrelin, and GLP-1 are ligands that influence hunger, energy balance, and insulin secretion. Understanding the relationship between GPCRs and ligands such as ghrelin and GLP-1 offers critical insights into treating metabolic disorders such as obesity, a growing issue in America. Our methodology involved a literature review using USF, NIH, and JSTOR databases. Search terms like “GPCR obesity,” “GLP-1 obesity,” and related keywords identified articles from 2000 onward, yielding 59 studies on GLP-1 and ghrelin in obesity. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), initially developed for type 2 diabetes, have shown effectiveness in treating obesity by reducing blood glucose levels, appetite, and hunger while delaying gastric emptying and enhancing satiety. Studies on semaglutide, liraglutide, and retatrutide demonstrated their efficacy in promoting weight loss when combined with diet and exercise, highlighting their potential as pharmacologic treatments for obesity. However, side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and limitations of mostly animal studies underscore the need for further research to enhance safety and reliability. This study highlights the pivotal role of GPCRs in managing obesity and diabetes by regulating energy balance and metabolism. Advances in GLP-1-based therapies and GPCR-targeting drugs offer transformative potential for personalized treatments, emphasizing the importance of continued research into these mechanisms.