From the Guidelines
GLP-1 receptor agonists can lead to a significant body weight loss of around 14.9% to 16.0% in healthy adults, as seen in the STEP trials with semaglutide 1. The weight loss achieved with GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, is a result of their ability to mimic the effects of the natural GLP-1 hormone, which suppresses appetite, delays gastric emptying, and increases glucose-dependent insulin release 1. Some key points to consider when using GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss include:
- Semaglutide has been shown to produce average weight losses of around 14.9% to 16.0% in clinical trials, with a significant difference compared to placebo 1
- Liraglutide typically results in a mean weight loss of around 8.0% at 56 weeks, which is lower than semaglutide but still significant compared to placebo 1
- These medications should be used alongside lifestyle modifications, including a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity, for optimal results 1
- Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which often improve over time 1
- Weight regain is common if the medication is discontinued, suggesting that long-term or indefinite use may be necessary to maintain weight loss 1
From the Research
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Weight Loss
- GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to be effective for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity and without diabetes, with reported weight losses of up to 17.8% of initial body weight 2.
- A study comparing the efficacy of different GLP-1 receptor agonists found that tirzepatide resulted in a weight loss of up to 17.8%, semaglutide up to 13.9%, and liraglutide up to 5.8% 2.
- Another study found that participants who received a combination of supervised exercise and liraglutide had a greater weight loss than those who received liraglutide alone, with a mean weight loss of 5.1 kg 3.
Percentage Body Weight Loss with GLP-1
- The percentage body weight loss with GLP-1 receptor agonists can vary depending on the specific medication and the individual participant, but reported weight losses range from 5.8% to 17.8% of initial body weight 2.
- A study found that more participants who had previously received combination treatment with supervised exercise and liraglutide maintained a weight loss of at least 10% of initial body weight one year after treatment termination compared with participants who had previously received placebo or liraglutide alone 3.
Healthy Weight Loss with GLP-1
- Sustained moderate weight loss of 10% of initial body weight has been shown to improve glycemic control, reduce insulin resistance, and improve cardiovascular risk factors 4.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists have been associated with weight loss and improved cardiovascular risk factors, making them a potential treatment option for adults with overweight or obesity and without diabetes 2, 5, 6.