Advances in therapyJul 9, 2026

Using GLP-1 Receptor Agonists to Treat Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in Older Adults: Important Factors to Consider

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Updated Jul 10, 2026

Abstract

Approximately 40% of older adults worldwide are affected by obesity, with 29% having type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Obesity and T2DM in older adults are linked to reduced quality of life, increased morbidity, functional decline, and cardiovascular disease.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) may help manage T2DM and obesity by suppressing appetite, improving insulin secretion, and delaying gastric emptying.
Large clinical trials indicate that GLP-1 RAs are effective for lowering glycated hemoglobin and body weight, and may reduce major renal and cardiovascular adverse effects.
Evidence supporting the use of GLP-1 RAs in older adults is currently limited, necessitating careful consideration of their use due to potential adverse effects and the risk of sarcopenia.
Polypharmacy and side effects are important factors to consider when treating older adults with GLP-1 RAs.

Simplified

The prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the older adult population is rising continuously worldwide, with approximately 40% and 29% of individuals affected in this group, respectively. These conditions have a substantial impact on older adults and are associated with reduced quality of life, increased morbidity, functional decline, and cardiovascular disease. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have emerged as an important option for the management of T2DM and obesity. However, special considerations are needed for specific age groups due to risks of adverse effects and increased comorbidity burden. GLP-1 RAs, including tirzepatide, liraglutide, and semaglutide, promote weight loss by suppressing appetite, improving insulin secretion, and delaying gastric emptying. Large clinical trials have supported GLP-1 RAs as an excellent option for reducing glycated hemoglobin and body weight, as well as for reducing major renal and cardiovascular adverse effects; however, evidence in older adults remains limited. Given the health considerations for older adults, weight loss efforts with GLP-1 RAs require cautious approaches, as sarcopenia is a relevant topic in this specific age group. Polypharmacy and side effects also need to be considered when treating an older adult with GLP-1 RA. Overall, GLP-1 RAs represent a valuable and promising treatment option for older adults with T2DM and obesity.

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Competing interests

Declarations. Conflict of Interest: Anna Geraldina Pendrey, Javier Francisco Sevilla Martir, Jennyfer Alejandra Rivera Sierra, Fernando Alberto Alvarez Lobo, Eblin Jackeline Rios Herrera, and Yolanda María Fernandez Muñoz declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this manuscript. Ethical Approval: This article is based on previously conducted studies and does not contain any new studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

PubMed

Using GLP-1 Receptor Agonists to Treat Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in Older Adults: Important Factors to Consider

Abstract

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Funding

Competing interests

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