This invention relates to isolated polypeptides that are long acting analogs of human GLP-1. The disclosed GLP-1 receptor agonist polypeptides have beneficial physicochemical properties relative to endogenous GLP-1 and known synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonist polypeptides, such as longer (i.e., “long-acting”) elimination half-lives (t1/2), and improved solubility and thermal stability. This invention also relates to methods of using presently disclosed GLP-1 receptor agonist polypeptides in a variety of therapeutic indications, as well as methods of producing the same. The disclosed GLP-1 receptor agonist polypeptides are particularly useful in methods of treating metabolic diseases or disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, treating obesity, and providing weight loss, and in methods of treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and/or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).