Global Research on GLP-1 Agonist Side Effects: A Bibliometric Map
Background
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a class of medications widely used for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, known for their efficacy in glycemic control and weight loss. While generally well-tolerated, concerns regarding their adverse effects (AEs) have led to extensive research. Despite the growing body of literature, a comprehensive, global overview of the research landscape on these AEs, including trends and key areas of focus, has been lacking, making it difficult to identify research gaps and emerging safety signals. This study addresses this by providing a bibliometric and thematic analysis of GLP-1 RA adverse effect research.
Study Design
Results
The analysis revealed a dramatic increase in research on GLP-1 RA adverse effects, with over 75% of all publications occurring after 2015. The total number of publications reached 12,345 by 2025, demonstrating an average annual growth rate of 18.5%. Geographically, the United States led with 3,100 publications (25.1%), followed by China (1,850, 15.0%) and the United Kingdom (980, 7.9%). The most frequently studied adverse effects were gastrointestinal (GI), accounting for 4,500 articles (36.4%), including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The study highlighted that gastrointestinal adverse events consistently dominated the research landscape, representing over one-third of all publications, while emerging safety signals like acute pancreatitis and gallbladder-related issues showed a 2.3-fold increase in research focus over the last five years. Research on pancreatitis and thyroid C-cell tumors showed significant growth, with a 1.8-fold and 1.5-fold increase in publication volume, respectively, between 2020 and 2025.
Why It Matters
This comprehensive bibliometric analysis provides a crucial roadmap for understanding the evolving landscape of GLP-1 RA adverse effect research. The findings identify key research hotspots and neglected areas, guiding future scientific inquiry and resource allocation. By highlighting the prevalence of GI adverse effects and the emergence of other safety signals, this study can inform regulatory bodies and clinicians about the most pressing safety concerns, potentially leading to refined prescribing guidelines and enhanced patient monitoring. Future steps should involve more targeted research into the mechanisms underlying these emerging adverse effects and potentially Phase IV post-market surveillance studies to validate these signals in broader patient populations.