Comparing Effects of GLP-1 Treatment and Weight-Loss Surgery in Patients with Liver Disease

Among 14,240 matched patients, GLP-1 therapy was associated with a 50% lower all-cause mortality compared to bariatric surgery.

• Primary liver cancer occurred more frequently in GLP-1 users at 3.9% compared to 3.4% in those who had bariatric surgery.
• GLP-1 therapy was linked to a 26% reduction in the risk of hepatic decompensation.
• Men receiving GLP-1 therapy had lower mortality and fewer decompensation events, but a higher incidence of primary liver cancer.
• Women on GLP-1 therapy also experienced reduced mortality and decompensation, with a slight increase in primary liver cancer risk.
• In younger patients (18-45 years), GLP-1 therapy significantly reduced both mortality and hepatic decompensation without increasing primary liver cancer risk.
• Older patients on GLP-1 showed lower mortality and decompensation rates, while experiencing a modest rise in primary liver cancer incidence.

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