Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) are revolutionizing the treatment of obesity and related illnesses, including kidney disease. While it is widely believed that the benefits of GLP1-RAs 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 GLP1-RAs are largely independent of weight loss. In doing so it presents supportive data, reviews the clinical implications, and describes additional research that is needed to confirm the hypothesis.