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 2025-2026 |
Date and Venue |
|---|---|
| EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE WORKSHOP | July 11, 2025 |
| 1st CAT Plenary Institution-led CAT that will be monitored by the JRRE | September 2025 Asynchronous Topic: CAT on Therapy and Diagnosis Accredited Training Institution |
| 2nd CAT Plenary Institution-led CAT that will be monitored by the JRRE | December 2025 Asynchronous Topic: CAT on Therapy and Meta-analysis Accredited Training Institution |
| 3rd CAT Plenary Institution-led CAT that will be monitored by the JRRE | February 2026 Asynchronous Topic: CAT on Meta-analysis Accredited Training Institution |
| 4th CAT Plenary | March 2026. TENTATIVE DATE DURING THE JOINT ANNUAL CONVENTION Topic: CAT on Diagnosis and Therapy HOST AND REACTORS TO FOLLOW |
| RESEARCH WORKSHOP | Week 1: July 7-13,2025 Week 2: July 14-20, 2025 Week 3: July 21- July 27, 2025 Week 4: July 28 – August 3, 2025 Week 5: ONLINE RESEARCH CAPSULE PRESENTATION,August 23-31, 2025, Asynchronous |
| RESEARCH MANUSCRIPT WORKSHOP | November 8, 2025 Saturday, 1 – 4 PM Online |
| GCP CERTIFICATION | NOVEMBER 2025 GCP certificates must be sent to jrre2016@yahoo.com.ph GCP certificates of trainees and co-authors will be collated by JRRE |