Brain GLP‐1 and the regulation of food intake: GLP‐1 action in the brain and its implications for GLP‐1 receptor agonists in obesity treatment

This review considers the similarities and differences between the physiological systems regulated by gut‐derived and neuronally produced glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1). It addresses the questions of whether peripheral and central GLP‐1 sources constitute separate, linked or redundant systems and whether the brain GLP‐1 system consists of disparate sections or is a homogenous entity. This review also explores the implications of the answers to these questions for the use of GLP‐1 receptor agonists as anti‐obesity drugs. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on GLP1 receptor ligands (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.4/issuetoc