GLP-1 agonists and changes in body mass and composition in adults with overweight or obesity with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
GLP-1 RAs provide clinically meaningful weight loss primarily through selective fat mass reduction, with relative preservation of lean tissue, supporting their role in achieving "quality" weight loss.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with overweight or obesity, with or without T2D36 studies
- Comparison
- GLP-1 RA and dual GLP-1/GIP agonists
- Outcome
- Weight loss and body composition
Methodological detailsrandom-effects models, subgroup analyses by drug type and treatment duration (3, 6, and 12 months), PRISMA
- Random-effects models
- Subgroup analyses by drug type and treatment duration (3, 6, and 12 months)
- PRISMA
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Body weight
Mean body weight decrease at 3 months
≈9%
Weight reduction at 6 months
5%
Weight loss at 12 months
around 4%
Further pooled results
Body composition
- At 3 months, marked reductions in fat mass and visceral adipose tissue
- At 6 months, semaglutide, liraglutide and exenatide showed comparable effects; lean mass largely preserved
- At 12 months, variability between agents, most notably liraglutide
- Across studies, fat mass decline predominated; reductions in lean body mass were modest
Original publication
GLP-1 agonists and changes in body mass and composition in adults with overweight or obesity with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 25 April 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →