Completed GLP-1 obesity trials have expanded from weight and glycemic outcomes toward hepatic, cardiometabolic, inflammatory, and organ-specific endpoints.
Evidence
This registry-based cross-sectional qualitative analysis used ClinicalTrials.gov data retrieved on October 18, 2025 and identified 227 completed interventional GLP-1 obesity studies.
Caveat
The analysis describes registered completed trials and research themes, not pooled efficacy or safety outcomes from individual participant or trial result data.
Simplified
BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a key pharmacological target in obesity management, associated with sustained weight loss and broader metabolic benefits beyond glycaemic control.
OBJECTIVE: To analyse the characteristics, design trends, and research themes of completed clinical trials investigating GLP-1-based interventions for obesity registered in ClinicalTrials.gov.
METHODS: A registry-based cross-sectional qualitative analysis was conducted using ClinicalTrials.gov data retrieved on October 18, 2025. Completed interventional trials evaluating , including liraglutide, semaglutide, tirzepatide, exenatide, dulaglutide, and lixisenatide, were identified. Extracted variables included study phase, intervention type, enrolment, primary outcomes, and completion year. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize quantitative data, and qualitative thematic synthesis was applied to categorize outcome domains and research focus.
RESULTS: A total of 227 completed interventional studies were identified. Liraglutide was the most frequently investigated agent (n = 86), followed by semaglutide (n = 18), tirzepatide (n = 18), exenatide (n = 15), and other GLP-1 analogues. Phase 3 and 4 trials predominated, with most studies enrolling fewer than 200 participants. Primary outcomes were mainly weight-related, with increasing attention to hepatic, cardiometabolic, and inflammatory endpoints. A marked rise in completed trials was observed after 2018, corresponding with the introduction of newer GLP-1 analogues.
CONCLUSION: Completed GLP-1 obesity trials demonstrate an expanding research focus from weight and glycaemic control toward broader metabolic and organ-specific outcomes. This registry-based qualitative analysis provides a novel overview of research maturity and evolving priorities in GLP-1-based obesity pharmacotherapy.
Key numbers
86
Studies on Liraglutide
Most frequently studied GLP-1 agent in obesity trials.
64,091
Total Participants
Enrollment data available for 226 trials.
48
Median Enrollment
Median enrollment across trials with available data.
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