GLUCAGON like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) were associated with weight loss, improved glycaemic control and reduced systemic inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and comorbid obesity, according to a narrative review of published evidence through July 2026. The review examined the safety and clinical effectiveness of GLP-1RA, alongside proposed anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
The authors identified relevant published articles through a PubMed search using terms related to GLP-1RA, IBD, safety, effectiveness and outcomes. Data extraction focused on GLP-1RA intervention details, IBD-related outcomes, inflammatory markers and proposed anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
The review found that GLP-1RA therapy promoted weight loss in patients with IBD that was comparable to the general population. The reported weight reduction was approximately 16 pounds over 18 months.
Gastrointestinal adverse effects were the most frequently reported complications associated with GLP-1RA therapy and often limited treatment continuity. Despite this, most studies reported no significant differences in hospitalisation, surgery, steroid use or changes to IBD medication.
Some studies reported improvements in these outcomes. However, data on endoscopic disease activity were limited, restricting conclusions about the effects of GLP-1RA therapy on intestinal inflammation.
The review also found inconsistent effects on serum inflammatory biomarkers. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were reduced in some studies, while changes in faecal calprotectin were not consistent.
The authors identified obesity management as an emerging clinical priority for patients with IBD. Obesity was associated with adverse IBD outcomes and diminished treatment response in the review.
GLP-1RA therapy demonstrated efficacy in promoting weight loss and improving glycaemic control, while also reducing systemic inflammation. These effects may benefit IBD disease activity, although the available evidence did not establish a long-term effect on the underlying disease.
Limited endoscopic data and inconsistent findings for inflammatory biomarkers also prevented firm conclusions regarding intestinal disease activity. The authors called for longitudinal studies to clarify the long-term clinical and endoscopic impact of GLP-1RA therapy in patients with IBD and comorbid obesity.
Reference
Fernando S et al. Glucagon like peptide 1 receptor agonists in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: safety, clinical effectiveness and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Front Gastroenterol (Lausanne). 2026;5:1864456.
Featured Image: Piya W. on Adobe Stock
Each article is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 License.
