Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are revolutionizing the treatment of obesity and related illnesses, including kidney disease. While it is widely believed that the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists on the kidney are primarily driven by weight loss, data from randomized trials in humans are less supportive of this viewpoint. This mini-review presents an alternative hypothesis positing that the kidney protective benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists are largely independent of weight loss.