A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments for obesity in adults
Study context
- Population
- Adults with obesity in RCTs of obesity management medications (OMMs) vs placebo/active comparators (Medline and Embase to 31 January 2025)
- Participants
- 60,307 adults56 trials
- Comparison
- Obesity management medications vs placebo/active comparators
- Placebon = 27,709reference
- Outcome
- Percentage of total body weight loss (TBWL%)
- Follow-up
- End of the study
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
TBWL% · end of study
- TBWL% vs placebo more than 10% for semaglutide and tirzepatide
- All OMMs vs Placebo: P < 0.0001
Further pooled results
Obesity-related complications
- Tirzepatide and semaglutide: normoglycemia restoration, T2D remission and reduced hospitalization for HF
- Semaglutide: reduced MACE and pain in knee osteoarthritis
- Tirzepatide: remission of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and MASH
Original publication
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments for obesity in adults. Nat Med. Published 2 October 2025. doi:10.
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