GLP 1 RECEPTOR AGONISTS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON REWARD AND COMPULSIVE BEHAVIORS

Anita Pieńkowska; Paulina Malon; Karol Śliwa; Aleksandra Trojańska; Nel Geworkian; Natalia Hariasz; Martyna Pietz; Anita Szymańska

doi:10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.4826

Authors

Anita Pieńkowska Independent Physician, Białystok, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9903-007X
Paulina Malon Collegium Medicum Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-067, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9311-001X
Karol Śliwa University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Collegium Medicum, ul. Oczapowskiego 2, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4181-9778
Aleksandra Trojańska University Clinical Hospital in Poznań, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9659-875X
Nel Geworkian University Clinical Hospital in Poznań, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2248-6052
Natalia Hariasz 4th Military Clinical Hospital in Wrocław, Rudolfa Weigla 5, 50-981 Wrocław https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5397-0324
Martyna Pietz University Clinical Hospital in Poznań, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7628-9517
Anita Szymańska Independent Physician, Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9762-3347

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.4826

Keywords:

GLP‑1 Receptor Agonists, Compulsive Behavior, Addiction, Dopamine, Motivation, Behavioral Neuroscience

Abstract

Background: Addiction and compulsive behaviors are widespread challenges that affect both individual and societal well-being. These behaviors involve persistent engagement in rewarding stimuli despite negative consequences. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP‑1) receptor agonists, initially developed for metabolic disorders, have been shown to modulate neural circuits involved in reward, motivation, and compulsive behavior.

Methods: To explore these questions, this review synthesizes evidence from animal studies, mechanistic neurobiological research, neuroimaging, and emerging human trials. The focus is on the effects of GLP‑1 receptor activation on reward processing, motivation, and compulsive behaviors.

Results: Preclinical studies indicate that GLP‑1 receptor agonists reduce drug- and food-related reward seeking, suppress relapse-like behavior, and modulate phasic dopamine signaling in mesolimbic circuits. Neurochemical and electrophysiological studies demonstrate coordinated activity between dopaminergic and inhibitory neurons. In humans, early trials suggest GLP‑1 receptor agonists can reduce alcohol consumption and craving, and observational data hint at broader effects on other reward-related behaviors.

Conclusion: GLP‑1 receptor signaling modulates central motivation and reduces maladaptive reward-seeking. These findings suggest GLP‑1 receptor agonists have therapeutic potential for compulsive behaviors and addiction, relevant to behavioral science, psychiatry, and public health.

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