Liraglutide Does Not Adversely Impact Fat‐Free Mass Loss

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to examine fat‐free mass (FFM) loss between successful responders to lifestyle intervention alone compared with lifestyle intervention plus liraglutide 3.0 mg. An additional objective was to examine the effects of varying resistance training frequencies (days per week) on FFM retention. Methods This prospective study examined patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 receiving treatment in a tertiary care obesity clinic. Body composition (dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry) was captured at baseline and after 16 weeks of treatment. Exercise‐related data (aerobic minutes per week and resistance training frequency) were captured at week 16. A total of 78 individuals were examined in two groups, the first with lifestyle intervention alone (n = 19) and the second with lifestyle intervention plus liraglutide 3.0 mg (n = 59). Linear mixed‐effects models were used to examine between‐group differences. Results Compared with lifestyle intervention alone, participants on liraglutide lost more weight (−12.2 kg vs. −9.7 kg, P = 0.048) and FFM (−2.3 kg vs. −1.5 kg, P = 0.06). After controlling for weight loss, there was no difference in FFM loss between groups (0.14 kg/wk vs. −0.09 kg/wk, P = 0.12). Absolute weight loss (kilograms) was associated with FFM loss (kilograms) (ρ = 0.58, P < 0.0001). Exercise did not increase weight loss, and resistance training frequency (days per week) did not attenuate FFM loss. Conclusions Liraglutide does not have effects on FFM beyond what can be expected from total weight loss. Resistance training did not attenuate FFM loss in the liraglutide or lifestyle‐alone groups. To ameliorate FFM loss after liraglutide, a new strategy may be needed that may combine exercise with specific nutritional interventions.

Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization implicates nephronectin as an actionable mediator of the effect of obesity on COVID-19 severity

“…The multivariable MR approach showed that decreasing body fat mass and increasing body fat-free mass, which can be achieved through non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise and appropriate diet 59 , can reduce plasma NPNT levels and the risk of COVID-19 severity outcomes. Moreover, recent trials have shown GLP-1/GIP co-agonist tirzepatide 60 , 61 and GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide 62 , 63 and liraglutide 64 , 65 can reduce body fat mass, while preserving body fat-free mass. We believe that these findings are notable because they offer the possibility to potentially modulate plasma NPNT levels, using available therapies.…”

Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization implicates nephronectin as an actionable mediator of the effect of obesity on COVID-19 severity

“…The multivariable MR approach showed that decreasing body fat mass and increasing body fat-free mass, which can be achieved through non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise and appropriate diet 59 , can reduce plasma NPNT levels and the risk of COVID-19 severity outcomes. Moreover, recent trials have shown GLP-1/GIP co-agonist tirzepatide 60,61 and GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide 62,63 and liraglutide 64,65 can reduce body fat mass, while preserving body fat-free mass. We believe that these findings are important because they offer the possibility to potentially modulate plasma NPNT levels, using available therapies.…”

Análise da evolução da composição corporal segmentar em bariátricos com reganho de peso submetidos à terapêutica farmacológica com liraglutida

“…Em recente estudo, Grannell et al (2021) aponta que pacientes tratados com liraglutida tiveram sua massa livre de gordura poupada e, em alguns casos, também se observou aumento desta. Atribuiu-se isso ao fato de serem os pacientes, além de usuários desta medicação, praticantes de atividades físicas regulares e adeptos de dieta balanceada.…”