Liraglutide produces significant weight loss in overweight and obese adults without diabetes, according to this meta-analysis of randomized trials.
Significantweight loss vs placebo in non-diabetic adults across pooled RCTs
What the researchers found
Liraglutide produces statistically and clinically significant weight loss in non-diabetic overweight and obese adults compared to placebo across pooled randomized controlled trials.
Why it matters
Confirms that liraglutide's weight loss benefits extend beyond diabetes management, supporting its use as a standalone obesity treatment.
The numbers in context
Multiple RCTs pooled; significant reductions in body weight and BMI vs placebo; GRADE and Cochrane risk-of-bias assessments included.
How the study worked
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials following PRISMA guidelines, using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases with random effects modeling.
Who was studied
Non-diabetic overweight and obese adults
What this study cannot tell us
Limited to published randomized controlled trials; heterogeneity between studies in dosing and duration; long-term weight maintenance data beyond trial periods not assessed.
How to read the evidence
High-quality evidence from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with GRADE quality assessment.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, providing an up-to-date synthesis of liraglutide weight loss evidence.
The bigger picture
As GLP-1 receptor agonists become mainstream obesity treatments, this meta-analysis strengthens the evidence base for liraglutide specifically in the non-diabetic population — the majority of people seeking weight management help.
Questions still open
- How does liraglutide's efficacy in non-diabetic obesity compare to newer GLP-1 RAs like semaglutide and tirzepatide?
- What is the optimal treatment duration for sustained weight loss with liraglutide?
Common questions
Does liraglutide work for weight loss if you don't have diabetes?
How is liraglutide taken for weight loss?
Read the original research
Efficacy of Liraglutide for Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese Non-diabetic Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Cureus, 17(4), e82479
Citation
Quinapanta Castro, Néstor Israel; Almeida, Mishell; Orbea, Andres F; Andrade, Domenica N; Flores Carrera, Jonathan; Yepez Vargas, Francisco; Carrasco, Mariela L. (2025). Efficacy of Liraglutide for Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese Non-diabetic Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.. Cureus, 17(4), e82479. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.82479