What is this collection about? 

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have become key therapies in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes, providing substantial metabolic benefits and reshaping treatment expectations. Their effects extend beyond traditional metabolic pathways, prompting growing interest in how incretin-based therapies influence multiple physiological systems and contribute to broader aspects of health. 

This Collection calls for papers that investigate the expanding clinical and biological roles of GLP-1 RAs. We welcome studies examining the mechanisms underlying their metabolic and weight-loss effects, alongside clinical research evaluating their use in cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease, hepatic disorders, and neurological conditions, including neurodegenerative processes. Work exploring their potential in psychiatric disorders is also encouraged. Submissions addressing safety considerations—such as biliary and gallbladder complications, perioperative risks, psychiatric outcomes, and patterns of weight regain or lean mass loss—are also in scope, as well as studies on long-term safety, combination therapies, and issues related to equity and access. 

This is a joint Collection across Communications Medicine, Nature Mental Health, Nature Metabolism, Nature Medicine, Nature Communications, and npj Metabolic Health and Disease, with all submissions undergoing the standard editorial and peer-review processes of the participating journals. 

Why is this collection important? 

The rapid rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists has transformed the treatment landscape for metabolic diseases, while simultaneously opening new avenues for research across multiple clinical domains. Their potential effects on cardiovascular health, liver disease, neurodegeneration, and mental health highlight a shift towards more integrated and system-wide approaches to therapy. 

This Collection is particularly timely as researchers and clinicians seek to better understand both the opportunities and challenges associated with these therapies, including long-term safety, optimisation of treatment strategies, and equitable access. By bringing together interdisciplinary research, the Collection aims to support a more comprehensive understanding of GLP-1 RAs and their broader impact on human health. 

This Collection supports and amplifies research directly related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) – Good Health and Well-being, by advancing knowledge that may improve prevention and treatment strategies for major global health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and associated comorbidities. 

Why submit to a collection? 

Collections like this one help promote high-quality science. They are led by In-House Editors who are experts in their fields and supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores, and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest. 

Who is involved? 

Communications Medicine is edited by both in-house professional editors and Editorial Board Members. 

Nature Mental Health  is edited by in-house professional editors. 

Nature Metabolism is edited by in-house professional editors. 

Nature Medicine is edited by in-house professional editors. 

Nature Communications is edited by in-house professional editors. 

npj Metabolic Health and Disease is edited by a team of external academic editors. 

Our editors work closely together to ensure the quality of our published papers and consistency in author experience. 

How can I submit my paper? 

Visit the Collection page to find out more about this collection and submit your article: