GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Mar 13, 2026Medicine

Weight loss effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists: A review and combined analysis of clinical trials

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Abstract

In a meta-analysis of 21 trials involving 7024 participants, 78.54% of those treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists achieved weight loss compared to 26.53% on placebo.

  • A pooled odds ratio of 11.37 indicates a significantly higher likelihood of weight loss for GLP-1 receptor agonist users compared to placebo.
  • Heterogeneity among studies was high, with an I2 value of 82%.
  • Tirzepatide and semaglutide were identified as the most effective GLP-1 receptor agonists in the network meta-analysis, with surface under the cumulative ranking curve values of 91.2% and 85.4%, respectively.
  • These results suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists could be effective in obesity management.

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Key numbers

78.54%
Weight Loss Rate
Proportion of participants losing weight with GLP-1 agonists
11.37
Odds Ratio for Weight Loss
Pooled odds ratio comparing GLP-1 agonists vs. placebo
91.2%
SUCRA Score for Tirzepatide
Surface under the cumulative ranking curve for tirzepatide

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