Mapping Global Research on Adverse Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (2006-2025): A Scopus-Based Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are increasingly used for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. As their clinical applications expand, interest in their safety and adverse effects has grown. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research trends, collaboration patterns, and thematic evolution on GLP-1RA-related adverse effects from 2006 to 2025. This study is a bibliometric analysis. Data were extracted from the Scopus database and analyzed using Bibliometrix (R package) and VOS viewer. Indicators assessed included publication and citation metrics, institutional productivity, and keyword co-occurrence and mapping. Correlations were evaluated using Pearson and Spearman tests, and the Durbin–Watson statistic was applied to assess the independence of residuals. A total of 1075 articles published in 389 journals were identified, authored by 6068 researchers across 85 countries. The annual growth rate was 32.06%, with no single-author papers and 34.23% international co-authorship, indicating strong global collaboration. The United States (30.5%), the United Kingdom (10.6%), and Denmark (7.8%) led in publication output and total citations. Institutional analysis identified Novo Nordisk A/S (60 papers, 11 207 citations) and Eli Lilly & Co. (45 papers, 9948 citations) as the most influential contributors. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism published the most articles (n = 106), followed by Diabetes Care and The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. Significant correlations were found between article count and h-index ( r = .677, P < .001) and total citations ( r = .779, P < .001). Keyword analysis revealed 2 main thematic clusters-one pharmacological (drug safety, efficacy, liraglutide, semaglutide) and 1 clinical (human, male, female, adult)—with an emerging focus on population-specific safety since 2021. Research on GLP-1RA-related adverse effects has expanded rapidly, shaped by strong international collaboration and industry-academic partnerships. Future efforts should prioritize balanced global participation, real-world safety data, and mechanistic insights to inform clinical practice and pharmacovigilance.