A new study finds using GLP-1 receptor agonists to treat obesity in otherwise healthy adults is safe and very effective.
What does the latest science say about the use of GLP-1 meds to treat obesity in people without diabetes?
A review of 26 randomized, controlled trials concludes the drugs are safe and very effective in otherwise healthy adults who need to drop significant pounds.
The trials included 3 GLP-1 receptor agonists approved by the FDA and 9 that are not yet approved for weight management.
The greatest weight loss was reported among participants who used retatrutide, an experimental triple agonist that is not yet commercially available.
Participants who took retatrutide dropped up to 22.1% of their starting weight after 48 weeks.
Those given tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, lost 17.8% of their body weight after 72 weeks.
And semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, resulted in a loss of up to 13.9% after 68 weeks.
All of the GLP-1s tested had similar side effects, according to the researchers — the most common being mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea.
The authors say these findings support the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for treatment of overweight or obesity among adults without diabetes.
Source: Annals of Internal Medicine
Author Affiliations: McGill University
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