People living with obesity can experience the weight loss benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists even if they do not have diabetes, new research has shown.
Latest evidence has identified that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) can help people living with overweight or obesity lose up to 10% of their body weight.
Academics have revealed that semaglutide is more beneficial than tirzepatide and liraglutide when it comes to achieving weight loss.
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Initially, GLP-1 RAs were approved to treat type 2 diabetes; however, recent trials have highlighted that they can also trigger weight loss.
During the study, the team of scientists analysed the weight loss outcomes of 8,847 adults with a BMI of ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m², all of whom had at least one weight-related comorbidity.
Participants had to either take liraglutide, semaglutide, tirzepatide or a placebo. In addition, they all had to regularly exercise, eat a low-calorie diet and attend lifestyle counselling sessions.
The results have shown that the participants taking GLP-1 RAs experienced better weight loss than those on the placebo.
Additionally, the findings have revealed that semaglutide was associated with better weight loss results than tirzepatide and liraglutide.
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However, some side effects were reported among the participants in the GLP-1 RA group, including vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea and constipation.
Tirzepatide was also linked to a higher risk of alopecia, the study has reported.
The study stated: “Treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects was more than twice as high in the GLP-1 RA group compared to placebo.”
To read the study, click here.
