A recently published study indicates that Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are actually quite effective at preventing weight regain. This conclusion is particularly important for patients with a history of prior bariatric surgery. During the last 12 months, researchers have been engaged in a clinical study on the safety and efficacy of liraglutide and semaglutide. They home in very specifically on patients who had substantial weight regain after their surgical interventions.
The preliminary study included 40 participants who had lost an average of 14.7% of their body weight after bariatric surgery and had high rates of weight loss maintenance. The patients, most of whom were women (80% of the cohort), had a median age of 50 years. They initiated therapy with GLP-1 RAs ~74.5 months after their procedure. The findings suggested that these drugs would likely be helpful in reversing the weight regain that’s typical among these folks.
Treatment Overview
Each participant received once daily subcutaneous liraglutide which was titrated up to 3.0 mg. Or instead, they received a weekly subcutaneous injection of semaglutide at a dose of 1.0 mg. Over the 12-month treatment period, patients lost an average of 10.5 kg. As a result of this impressive accomplishment, participants went on to lose an incredible 99.3% of their lost weight regained. Participants experienced an astounding 5-point decline in Body Mass Index (BMI). On average, they lost their BMI unit by 3.7 over the course of the study.
The results are brutally straightforward, semaglutide produced superior outcomes compared with liraglutide. Semaglutide resulted in a BMI reduction of 4.7 vs liraglutide only 3.1. This significant difference is a clear indication of just how much more effective semaglutide would be as a long-term treatment for weight loss. Its potential in this patient population is tremendous.
Implications for Patients
These findings are especially timely considering the reality that many bariatric surgery patients encounter. For people living with obesity, bariatric surgery is the most effective, long-term solution for controlling weight. As an adjunct therapy, numerous patients will require additional therapies to maintain its favorable effects on body weight.
The research underscores the necessity for ongoing support and treatment options for those who may struggle with weight regain after surgical intervention. Healthcare professionals can make advances in their treatment plans by introducing GLP-1 RAs. “Supporting new patients with their weight-loss journey is critical to the success of any treatment,” said this addition.
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