Liraglutide produces 7.9% weight loss in real-world Portuguese obesity patients across 18 months | Research

The takeaway

In a Portuguese real-world cohort, liraglutide achieved mean 7.9% body weight loss at 18 months, with improvements in metabolic parameters, though real-world efficacy was lower than clinical trials and discontinuation rates were notable.

7.9% real-world weight loss
Portuguese liraglutide data shows meaningful but lower-than-trial weight loss, reflecting the real-world adherence and support challenges

What the researchers found

Liraglutide: mean 7.9% TBWL at 18 months. Metabolic improvements. Lower than clinical trial efficacy (8-12%). Portuguese real-world cohort. >50% population overweight/obese in Portugal.

Why it matters

Real-world data from Southern European populations is scarce. This Portuguese study confirms liraglutide effectiveness outside clinical trials while honestly reporting the efficacy gap between trial and practice settings.

How the study worked

Real-world observational study from Portuguese clinical practice.

What this study cannot tell us

Observational. Real-world adherence lower than trials. Portuguese-specific. Specific weight loss numbers limited by abstract length. Comparator arm unknown.

How to read the evidence

Real-world observational study. Good for practice insights but limited by non-controlled design.

When this study was published

Published in 2025.

The bigger picture

The consistent gap between trial and real-world GLP-1 drug efficacy (~2-4% less in practice) highlights the need for better adherence support, patient selection, and lifestyle co-interventions.

Questions still open

Why is real-world efficacy lower than trials?
Would adding behavioral support close the trial-practice gap?
How does Portuguese real-world data compare to other European countries?

Common questions

How much weight can you really lose with liraglutide?

In real-world Portuguese clinical practice, patients lost an average of 7.9% of their body weight over 18 months. This is meaningful but somewhat less than the 8-12% seen in controlled clinical trials, likely because real-world conditions involve more variable diet, exercise, and medication adherence.

Why is real-world weight loss less than in clinical trials?

Clinical trials provide intensive monitoring, regular follow-up, and motivated participants. In everyday practice, patients may miss doses, have less support, and face more real-life challenges. The 7.9% loss is still clinically meaningful for improving metabolic health.

Read the original research

Liraglutide in the management of obesity: real world data (Portugal).

Minerva endocrinology, 50(4), 371-376

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Tavares Bello, Carlos; Redondo Carvalho, Inês; Martins, Anabela; Martins, Ana F; Wessling, Ana; Macedo, Daniel; Martins, Diana; Fernandes, Carlos; Sobral DO Rosário, Francisco. (2025). Liraglutide in the management of obesity: real world data (Portugal).. Minerva endocrinology, 50(4), 371-376. https://doi.org/10.23736/S2724-6507.24.04161-7