GLP-1 and reward: a review of 66 animal studies points to a research avenue, without clinical evidence

A review focused on animal behaviors

The researchers compiled preclinical studies on GLP-1 and drugs that activate its receptor. Their literature search covered several scientific databases through June 28, 2026. The rewards studied involved food, substances and sexual behaviors.

The review includes 66 studies. However, the available abstract does not detail animal sample sizes, study durations, comparators or the methodological quality of each experiment. It therefore does not establish how directly comparable their findings are.

A downward trend, depending on the compound and behavior

In the models assessed, GLP-1 administration was associated with reduced food intake and locomotor activity related to approaching and seeking rewards.

Exenatide, administered locally in certain brain regions, was associated with reduced substance consumption, food seeking and sexual behaviors. This experimental route of administration should not be equated with the clinical use of a drug.

The abstract also reports attenuated substance- and food-related rewards with liraglutide. Semaglutide reduced substance and sucrose consumption, while reduced substance consumption was reported with dulaglutide. No effect size directly interpretable for a patient is provided.

Less reward seeking does not mean a psychiatric benefit

The distinction matters: consuming less or seeking a reward less does not, on its own, demonstrate improved mental health. The reported reduction in locomotor activity also calls for distinguishing a reward-specific change from a more general decrease in activity. The abstract does not resolve this question.

The authors present these findings as a rationale for evaluating GLP-1 agonists in psychiatric disorders involving hedonic function and associated behaviors. This is a preclinical research avenue, not an established therapeutic indication or a reason to change treatment.

What we can take away

This review suggests that GLP-1 and its agonists alter several reward-related behaviors in animals. It supports further clinical research without establishing their usefulness in human psychiatry.