Up to 40% of transplant recipients have obesity at transplant with post-transplant weight gain common, and GLP-1/GIP drugs show promise but lack dedicated transplant RCT data.
40% obese at transplantNearly half of liver transplant recipients are obese, with weight gain after surgery threatening the transplanted organ
What the researchers found
Up to 40% of transplant recipients are obese, with post-transplant weight gain worsening outcomes. GLP-1/GIP drugs are promising but lack dedicated transplant RCT data for safety and efficacy.
Why it matters
Transplant recipients face serious obesity-related graft loss and death but have been excluded from major GLP-1 drug trials.
How the study worked
Narrative review of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy evidence and considerations for liver and kidney transplant recipients.
What this study cannot tell us
No dedicated transplant RCTs. Drug interaction data limited. Extrapolation from general population may be inappropriate.
How to read the evidence
Review identifying evidence gaps. No transplant-specific RCT data for GLP-1 drugs.
When this study was published
Published in 2025.
The bigger picture
The transplant community is increasingly recognizing obesity as a modifiable risk factor for graft survival, with GLP-1 drugs offering the most promising intervention.
Questions still open
- Should transplant centers routinely offer GLP-1 therapy for obese recipients?
- What are the key GLP-1-immunosuppressant drug interactions?
- Would weight loss improve long-term graft survival?
Common questions
Can transplant recipients take GLP-1 drugs?
Why does obesity matter after transplant?
Read the original research
Anti-obesity Pharmacotherapy for Transplant Recipients.
Current atherosclerosis reports, 28(1), 15
Citation
Haugen, Christine E; Orandi, Babak J. (2026). Anti-obesity Pharmacotherapy for Transplant Recipients.. Current atherosclerosis reports, 28(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-026-01388-1