Comparative Effects of Antidiabetic Drugs on Body Composition: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis
Pooled result · Fat massResult — go to the resultMD −10.70 kg 95% CI −13.42 to −7.99Authors' conclusion
GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists produced the greatest FM reduction but also decreased lean mass. Exercise mitigated liraglutide-related LBM loss. SGLT2 inhibitors showed modest effects, while metformin, insulin, DPP4 inhibitors and sulfonylureas had minimal impact.
Study context
- Population
- RCTs of major antidiabetic drugs reporting body composition (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, inception to March 2025)
- Participants
- 2,906 participants41 trials
- Comparison
- Major antidiabetic drugs vs each other and placebo
- Outcome
- Changes in fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM)
Methodological detailsfrequentist random-effects framework
- Frequentist random-effects framework
Pooled result
Fat mass
MD
−10.70 kg
95% CI −13.42 to −7.99
Tirzepatidevs Placebo
MD −10.70 kg (95% CI −13.42 to −7.99)
As reported in the abstract
Further pooled results
| Outcome | MD (kg) (95% CI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Lean body massTirzepatidevs Placebo | −4.40 (−7.58 to −1.22) | |
| Lean body massLiraglutidevs Placebo | −1.54 (−2.55 to −0.52) | |
| −10−505Difference, kg (linear scale) |
Lean body mass
- SGLT2i caused minor lean body mass (LBM) losses
- Metformin, insulin regimens and DPP-4i showed neutral effects on LBM
Original publication
Comparative Effects of Antidiabetic Drugs on Body Composition: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis. Diabetes Obes Metab. Published 16 June 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →