Exercise no. 332 GLP-1 agonists in pregnancy: poorly elucidated risks that warrant a highly cautious approach

Semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide and lixisenatide are agonists of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a hormone of intestinal origin of the incretin group. Tirzepatide is a dual agonist of GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). All of these drugs are incretin mimetics: they slow gastric emptying, increase insulin secretion and reduce glucagon secretion. They also play a role in appetite regulation in the central nervous system, through their action on GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus, which is responsible for the feeling of satiety. They are used in type 2 diabetes, and some are also used in overweight and obesity.