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Peer-reviewedCC BY-NCEClinicalMedicine

Balancing the benefits and risks of GLP-1 receptor agonists: a clinical guide for shared decision-making

  • Areesha Moiz1
  • Tricia M. Peters1,2,3,4
  • Michael A. Tsoukas3,4
  • Oriana Hoi Yun Yu1,2,3,4
  • Kristian B. Filion1,2,3
  • Mark Jeffrey Eisenberg1,2,3,5
5 affiliations
  1. 1Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital/McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
  2. 2Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
  3. 3Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
  4. 4Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
  5. 5Division of Cardiology, Jewish General Hospital/McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are now used widely to manage diabetes, obesity, and an expanding set of metabolic and cardiorenal conditions. As prescribing grows in younger, healthier, and more diverse populations, clinicians increasingly require practical guidance that balances therapeutic benefit with individualized safety considerations. This review synthesizes the current evidence on the physiological mechanisms, clinical indications, and practical safety considerations of this drug class. We aim to provide a structured, clinically oriented approach to monitoring and managing adverse effects, with emphasis on gastrointestinal intolerance, supported by an algorithm for early symptom management. Finally, we outline communication strategies that support shared decision-making, reduce stigma, and align therapy with patient goals. This framework aims to help clinicians deliver safe, informed, and patient-centered care as GLP-1-based therapies continue to evolve. Funding: This study received no external funding.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{moiz2026balancing,
  title = {{Balancing the benefits and risks of GLP-1 receptor agonists: a clinical guide for shared decision-making}},
  author = {Areesha Moiz and Tricia M. Peters and Michael A. Tsoukas and Oriana Hoi Yun Yu and Kristian B. Filion and Mark Jeffrey Eisenberg},
  journal = {EClinicalMedicine},
  year = {2026},
  month = may,
  doi = {10.1016/j.eclinm.2026.103991},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2026.103991},
  note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Balancing the benefits and risks of GLP-1 receptor agonists: a clinical guide for shared decision-making
AU  - Areesha Moiz
AU  - Tricia M. Peters
AU  - Michael A. Tsoukas
AU  - Oriana Hoi Yun Yu
AU  - Kristian B. Filion
AU  - Mark Jeffrey Eisenberg
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/05/25
JO  - EClinicalMedicine
DO  - 10.1016/j.eclinm.2026.103991
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2026.103991
AB  - Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are now used widely to manage diabetes, obesity, and an expanding set of metabolic and cardiorenal conditions. As prescribing grows in younger, healthier, and more diverse populations, clinicians increasingly require practical guidance that balances therapeutic benefit with individualized safety considerations. This review synthesizes the current evidence on the physiological mechanisms, clinical indications, and practical safety considerations of this drug class. We aim to provide a structured, clinically oriented approach to monitoring and managing adverse effects, with emphasis on gastrointestinal intolerance, supported by an algorithm for early symptom management. Finally, we outline communication strategies that support shared decision-making, reduce stigma, and align therapy with patient goals. This framework aims to help clinicians deliver safe, informed, and patient-centered care as GLP-1-based therapies continue to evolve. Funding: This study received no external funding.
SN  - 2589-5370
ER  -