Why do GLP-1 medications work for both diabetes and weight loss? Is it the same mechanism?

It's the same underlying hormone pathway producing two related but distinct effects: GLP-1 helps the body regulate insulin release and blood sugar after meals (the diabetes benefit), while also acting on appetite centers in the brain and slowing digestion (the weight benefit). Both effects stem from the same drug activating the same receptor type, just producing different downstream effects in different tissues, which is part of why the same underlying medication ends up useful for two different conditions. References: https://obesitycanada.ca/healthcare-professionals/adult-clinical-practice-guideline/ https://guidelines.diabetes.ca/GuideLines/media/Docs/Quick%20Reference%20Guide/2024-CPG-Quick-Reference-Guide.pdf