GLP-1 Receptor Agonism Exacerbates Activity-Based Anorexia in Mice

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists reduce food intake and body weight, suggesting they should be avoided in anorexia nervosa. However, preclinical evidence that these drugs reduce activity and reward-seeking behavior raises the possibility that they might attenuate the compulsive-like hyperactivity central to ABA pathology and slow weight loss. Here, we employed a widely used rodent model of AN (activity-based anorexia, ABA) to determine whether a GLP-1R agonist would worsen or rather lessen weight loss and hyperactivity.

Female mice that had continuous access to a running wheel and time-restricted food availability received systemic administration of a GLP-1R agonist, a GLP-1R antagonist, or vehicle once daily before food presentation (N = 10/group).

GLP-1R agonist treatment exacerbated ABA-associated weight loss, confirming the concern that appetite suppression would worsen outcomes and failing to support the possibility that reduced compulsive-like activity might provide benefit. This effect was driven by a further suppression of food intake, while wheel running remained unchanged. Pharmacological blockade of GLP-1R signaling had no detectable effect on any parameter monitored relative to vehicle controls.

These findings provide the first experimental evidence that GLP-1R agonism worsens outcomes in an animal model of anorexia nervosa. The lack of effect of GLP-1R antagonism suggests endogenous GLP-1 signaling does not substantially contribute to ABA pathology. Together, these data raise caution regarding the use of GLP-1R agonists in individuals vulnerable to restrictive eating as they are unlikely to reduce the motivation for excessive activity and can further reduce food intake.