The efficacy and safety of liraglutide in the obese, non-diabetic individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Liraglutide has been shown to improve glucose tolerance and lose weight in individuals with type 2 diabetes. To date, no meta-analysis of liraglutide’s safety and efficacy in individuals without diabetes has been conducted.Objectives: The aim of this study is to carry out a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of liraglutide in the obese, non-diabetic individuals.Methods: A literature review was performed to identify all published randomised control trials (RCT) of liraglutide for the treatment of obesity in non-diabetic individuals. The search included the following databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register.Results: We included five publications involving a total of 4,754 patients that compared liraglutide with placebo and found that liraglutide to be an effective and safe treatment for weight loss in individuals without diabetes. Primary efficacy end points: mean weight loss (MD = -5.52, 95% CI = -5.93 to -5.11, p<0.00001); lost more than 5% of body weight (OR = 5.46, 95% CI=3.57 to 8.34, p<0.00001) and key secondary efficacy end points: SBP decreased (the MD = -2.56, 95% CI = -3.28 to -1.84, p<0.00001). Safety assessments included the proportion of individuals who were withdrawn due to AE (OR = 2.85, 95% CI= 0.84 to 9.62, p=0.009), and nausea indicated that liraglutide was well tolerated. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that liraglutide to be an effective and safe treatment for weight loss in the obese, non-diabetic individuals.Keywords: liraglutide, weight loss, meta-analysis.

Effect of Liraglutide on Cardiometabolic Risk Profile in People with Coronary Artery Disease with or without Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Liraglutide induces weight loss in obese non-diabetic patients by reduction of appetite and energy intake rather than the increase of energy expenditure ( van Can et al, 2014 ). A recent meta-analysis indicates that liraglutide can be considered as an effective and safe treatment for obesity in non-diabetic individuals ( Zhang et al, 2019 ). However, this effect is dose-dependent up to 3.0 mg once daily, with consistent therapy for at least 12 weeks ( Zhang et al, 2019 ).…”

“…A recent meta-analysis indicates that liraglutide can be considered as an effective and safe treatment for obesity in non-diabetic individuals ( Zhang et al, 2019 ). However, this effect is dose-dependent up to 3.0 mg once daily, with consistent therapy for at least 12 weeks ( Zhang et al, 2019 ). This might explain our observation of a significant reduction in BMI only in CAD patients with T2D.…”

Clinical Evidence of Antidepressant Effects of Insulin and Anti-Hyperglycemic Agents and Implications for the Pathophysiology of Depression—A Literature Review

“…GLP-1RA including liraglutide is commonly associated with GI adverse effects including nausea and vomiting [68]. However, they were all well-tolerated, and no severe adverse events or severe hypoglycemia were reported in an RCT [52].…”

Side Effects Associated with Liraglutide Treatment for Obesity as Well as Diabetes

“…13,[20][21][22][23] A dose of 3.0 mg of liraglutide for the treatment of obesity in non-diabetic individuals led to higher incidence of nausea compared to placebo. 3…”

“…2 However, according to another study, liraglutide treatment is effective and safe for weight loss in obese individuals without diabetes. 3 Unlike the subjects' high body mass index criteria, which were applied in clinical trials related to liraglutide, the body mass index criteria for patients prescribed the drug in the real world tend to be applied less rigorously, which may increase the number of adverse reactions due to over-prescription. Many clinical trials have been carried out that studied liraglutide followed by subsequent metaanalyses of their data.…”