GLP ‐1 receptor agonists for treating obesity without diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of economic evaluations
Authors' conclusion
GLP-1RAs are generally not cost-effective for obesity treatment in patients without diabetes in HICs from a healthcare/payer perspective. However, they may be cost-effective in subgroups evaluated over longer time horizons. Most included studies focused on weight-related outcomes, potentially underestimating the broader economic value of GLP-1RAs. This pooled economic evidence may inform the decision-making process.
Study context
- Population
- Cost-effectiveness studies of GLP-1 RAs for obesity without diabetes; all from high-income countries9 studies · 23 comparisons
- Comparison
- GLP-1 RAs vs no intervention or lifestyle interventions
- Outcome
- INB (WTP threshold × difference in effectiveness minus difference in costs; positive INB = cost-effective)
Methodological detailsrandom-effects model, minimum time horizon 5 years, 2023 US dollars
- Random-effects model
- Minimum time horizon 5 years
- 2023 US dollars
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Pooled INB
- Semaglutide vs No intervention
- INB -$3659 (95% CI -$74 379 to $67 062)
- Liraglutide vs No intervention
- INB -$32 032 (95% CI -$101 534 to $37 488)
- Semaglutide vs Lifestyle interventions
- INB -$84 060 (95% CI -$152 645 to -$15 475)
- Liraglutide vs Lifestyle interventions
- INB -$70 563 (95% CI -$106 520 to -$34 605)
Original publication
GLP ‐1 receptor agonists for treating obesity without diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of economic evaluations. Diabetes Obes Metab. Published 9 December 2025. doi:10.
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