Gastrointestinal adverse events associated with GLP-1 RA in non-diabetic patients with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
GLP-1 RAs showed several adverse gastrointestinal effects in non-diabetic patients with overweight or obesity. Understanding the different risk profiles of GLP-1 RAs helps clinicians make informed treatment decisions by balancing therapeutic benefits with potential side effects.
Study context
- Population
- Non-diabetic individuals with overweight or obesity; PubMed and EMBASE39 articles
- Participants
- 33,354 individuals
- Comparison
- GLP-1 RAs vs comparators
- Outcome
- GI adverse events of GLP-1 RAs
Methodological detailsquality assessment with Cochrane Collaboration's tool
- Quality assessment with Cochrane Collaboration's tool
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
GI adverse events
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation were the most common GI adverse effects
- Nausea: all evaluated GLP-1 RAs significantly increased risk; highest with orforglipron, followed by exenatide, tirzepatide, semaglutide and liraglutide
- Vomiting: increased risk with liraglutide, orforglipron, semaglutide and tirzepatide; no significant increase with cagrilinitide and exenatide
- Diarrhea: exenatide, cagrilinitide and orforglipron not associated with risk
- Constipation: increased risk with semaglutide and liraglutide; no significant increase with cagrilinitide and exenatide
Original publication
Gastrointestinal adverse events associated with GLP-1 RA in non-diabetic patients with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 13 August 2025. doi:10.
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