Weight & metabolism
GLP-3
One peptide that activates GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors—three pathways involved in appetite, blood sugar, and energy use.
Three receptors. Three connected pathways.
GLP-3 connects three hormone pathways. GLP-1 and GIP help coordinate the insulin response to food. Glucagon acts on the liver and contributes to energy use. Together, these receptor targets link appetite with metabolism.
How it works.
- GLP-1 · appetite & digestion
- Helps you feel full, slows the movement of food out of the stomach, and increases insulin release when blood sugar rises.
- GIP · insulin response
- Helps the pancreas release insulin in response to food and participates in how the body handles nutrients.
- Glucagon · energy use
- Signals the liver to release glucose and participates in fat metabolism and energy expenditure.
Useful terms
- Agonist
- A molecule that activates a receptor.
- Incretin
- A gut hormone that increases insulin secretion in response to food. GLP-1 and GIP are incretins.
- Metabolism
- The processes that convert, store, and use energy.
Results.
Risks, concerns & drawbacks.
- Digestion
- Constipation, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting were among the most commonly reported side effects in TRIUMPH-1.
- Sensitive skin
- Altered skin sensation, called dysesthesia, was reported by about 5–13% of treated participants, compared with about 1% on placebo.
- Heart rate
- An earlier 48-week trial found dose-related increases in heart rate. These peaked around week 24 and then declined.
- Follow-up
- The main trial ran for 80 weeks; a selected group continued to 104 weeks. Effects over many years remain an open question.