The Neuroscientist : a review journal bringing neurobiology, neurology and psychiatryNov 2, 2026

How Drugs Acting on GLP-1 Receptors May Affect Thinking About Food

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Nov 3, 2026

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have been shown to influence cognitive and neuroprotective functions beyond their effects on weight loss.

GLP-1RAs may affect multiple levels of food-related information processing in the brain.
The proposed framework includes early perceptual processing, attentional capture, semantic organization, and decision-making.
At the perceptual level, the brain extracts properties such as caloric content and transformations of food.
Attentional capture and motivational salience determine the priorities and desires related to food.
Semantic organization integrates sensory and functional characteristics of different foods.
Executive control involves decision-making processes, including inhibitory control and allocation of effort.

Simplified

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing appetite, cravings and caloric intake. Growing evidence suggests effects on the central nervous system, with cognitive and neuroprotective benefits that cannot be explained by weight loss or glycaemic control alone. However, the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms remain unclear. This review proposes a cognitive neuroscience framework for investigating the effects of GLP-1RAs across multiple levels of food-related information processing. Theoretical models and experimental paradigms are integrated to dissociate perceptual, attentional, motivational, semantic and executive components. The model identifies four levels: (1) early perceptual processing, in which the brain extracts properties including caloric content and transformation; (2) attentional capture and motivational salience, which determine priorities and wanting; (3) semantic organisation, which integrates sensory and functional characteristics of foods and (4) decision-making and executive control, including inhibitory control and effort allocation. GLP-1RAs may differentially modulate these levels, which can be investigated using specific experimental paradigms. This cognitive neuroscience-based approach goes beyond descriptive measures to identify the mechanisms through which GLP-1RAs influence perception, motivation and food decisions. This framework can guide future studies, improve the interpretation of cognitive effects and contribute to the development of more targeted interventions.

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How Drugs Acting on GLP-1 Receptors May Affect Thinking About Food

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