Abstract
A Meta-Analysis Comparing Semaglutide versus Dulaglutide and versus Liraglutide for Weight Loss
Natasha Bernadine Abela-Mapa, MD; Marc Julius Navarro, MD; Angelo Jonathan Cruz, MD
Makati Medical Center
Significance: Diet and lifestyle modifications are the cornerstones of obesity treatment. However, weight loss is challenging to achieve and maintain over the long term while there aren’t many reliable medical interventions that can lead to significant weight loss. 3 GLP-1 receptor agonists are important therapeutic agents for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and at the same time help in managing obesity. Semaglutide, Dulaglutide, and Liraglutide are medications that imitate the function of GLP-1, a hormone involved in glucose metabolism and appetite control.
Methodology: An electronic search was done was done on August 2024 in MEDLINE via Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, ClinicalKey, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Herdin, using the search terms: (Semaglutide OR Dulaglutide OR Liraglutide) AND (Weight OR BMI OR obesity). We included randomized interventional studies which compared at least any two of these three medications for weight loss. Pooled mean difference for change in weight was computed using Random Effects Meta-analysis while pooled risk ratio was used for adverse events. The RevMan 5.4 software was used for statistical analysis.
Results: Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled mean difference showed significantly higher mean weight loss in semaglutide compared to dulaglutide (MD=2.71 kg, 95%CI=1.85 to 3.58, p<0.00001) and in semaglutide compared to liraglutide (MD=2.53 kg, 95%CI=0.98 to 4.07, p=0.001). The pooled risk ratio showed no significant difference in risk for adverse events between those given semaglutide versus dulaglutide (RR=1.33, 95%CI=0.92 to 1.91) and between those given semaglutide versus liraglutide (RR=1.08, 95%CI=0.99 to 1.18). No studies were found comparing dulaglutide versus liraglutide.
Conclusion: Semaglutide showed higher magnitude of weight loss compared to Dulaglutide and Liraglutide. Semaglutide, Dulaglutide, and Liraglutide are equally safe for use among patients for weight loss. Further studies are recommended to determine the differences in effectiveness across different dosing regimens of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Important Dates to Remember
| JRRE Activities 2023-2024 |
Proposed Dates |
|---|---|
| Resumption of face-to-face Evidence-Based Medicine Workshop Venue to be announced once finalized. |
July 21, 2023 (Friday), 1-5pm |
| Monthly Critical Appraisal of Topics Conferences to be gaciliated by Research Coordinators per Institution | Monthly Critical Appraisal of Topics Conferences per Institution |
| CAT Plenary/Liver Con Dates: September 23, 2023 December 16, 2023 March 2024 (During the JAC) Resumption of face-to-face Quarterly Critical Appraisal of Topics facilitated by the JRRE |
2 Clinical scenarios and articles are to be sent to institutions each on August 2023, November 2023, and February 2024; |
| Hybrid Research Workshop 4 week asynchronous via Moodle, followed by a 1 day on-site Onsite Workshop Research Protocol Presentation for Level I GI Fellows-In-Training - Research Protocol Presentation: August 12, 2023 - Research Forums of the Tripartite Societies |
Week 1: July 15-21, 2023 Week 2: July 22-28, 2023 Week 3: July 29-August 4, 2023 Week 4: August 5-11, 2023 |
| Research Manuscript Workshop for level II GI Fellows-In-Training | January 6, 2024 |