Incretinomimetics under a bioethical lens: between therapeutics, aesthetics and health justice

Authors

Abstract

GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GIP/GLP-1 incretinomimetics have redefined the treatment of type 2
diabetes and obesity by combining glycemic control, weight loss, and cardiovascular benefits in selected
settings. This systematized narrative review analyzed pharmacological foundations, efficacy, safety,
and regulatory, economic, and distributive challenges of these therapies, articulating bioethical principlism
with contemporary critical perspectives, including intervention bioethics, health justice, medicalization,
and commodification of care. The review discusses tensions between therapeutic and aesthetic use,
the risk of medicalizing weight loss, barriers to access, and impacts on health system sustainability.
It concludes that the ethically defensible incorporation of incretinomimetics requires clinical prudence,
informed consent, longitudinal follow-up, transparent prioritization criteria, and a commitment to equity,
continuity of care, and protection against global inequalities in access to pharmacological innovations.

Keywords:

Incretins, Glucagon-like peptide-1, Obesity, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Bioethics, Access to medicines

Author Biographies

Bruno Leandro de Souza, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa/PB, Brasil.

Bruno Leandro Souza – Doutorando – bruno.souza@portalmedico.org.br
0000-0002-1699-2986

Narriane Chaves Pereira de Holanda, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa/PB, Brasil.

Narriane Holanda – Doutora – narrichaves@gmail.com
0000-0002-5724-8096

Caio Chaves de Holanda Limeira, Faculdade de Medicina Nova Esperança, João Pessoa/PB, Brasil.

Caio Chaves de Holanda Limeira – Residente – presidencia@crmpb.org.br
0000-0002-9365-6820

Heloísa Calegari Borges, Faculdade de Medicina Nova Esperança, João Pessoa/PB, Brasil.

Heloísa Calegari Borges – Residente – presidencia@crmpb.org.br
0000-0002-8026-262X

Vol. 34 (2026): Continuous publication

Published:

2026-10-21

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-803420264149PT

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How to Cite

1.
Leandro de Souza B, Chaves Pereira de Holanda N, Chaves de Holanda Limeira C, Calegari Borges H. Incretinomimetics under a bioethical lens: between therapeutics, aesthetics and health justice. Rev. Bioét. [Internet]. 2026 Oct. 21 [cited 2026 Oct. 21];34. Available from: https://www.revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/4149

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