This review looks at drugs that stick to the GLP‑1 receptor to help people lose weight. It compares several of them—retatrutide, CagriSema, survudotide, tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide—and finds that retatrutide seems to work best so far, while all of them appear fairly safe in the short term. Long‑term benefits and exact dosing still need more study.

Obesity, marked by abnormal fat accumulation, poses significant health risks, necessitating effective therapeutic interventions. The focus of this review is to elucidate the importance of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor-binding medications in addressing obesity-related health deteriorations. Exploring the mechanisms, efficacy, and safety profiles, this review comprehensively assesses medications selectively or non-selectively binding the GLP-1 receptor for obesity treatment. A meticulous analysis of phase 2 and phase 3 data positions retatrutide, CagriSema, survudotide, tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide in order of effectiveness. While showcasing their efficacy and safety, the review acknowledges the ongoing phase 3 studies, highlighting the need for further exploration of contraindications, dosage, and potential adverse effects to inform personalized treatment decisions. The ongoing anticipation of long-term benefits, particularly sustained weight loss and cardiovascular outcomes, underscores the significance of future treatment algorithms for addressing the disease of obesity.