Incretin therapy and obesity: current and future pharmacologic possibilities

Obesity is a global epidemic, posing significant challenges to individual health and healthcare systems. This article explores the pharmacology of incretin-based therapies beyond single receptor agonists and focuses on their emerging role in obesity management. The complex interplay between metabolic, environmental, and psychosocial factors contributes to obesity and its wide-ranging clinical sequelae. Emphasis is placed on the physiological functions of key hormones, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), amylin, and glucagon, in regulating energy balance, appetite, and insulin secretion. The commentary discusses novel therapeutic approaches, including dual and triple receptor agonists. Future directions in personalized medicine are included to highlight innovative drug-delivery systems and potential new targets. Collectively, incretin-targeted therapies have the potential to be the next generation of obesity treatments, effective in achieving outcomes and tailored for individual patient needs.