A new study shows Liraglutide has definite potential as a weight loss drug for those who are not diabetic. The recently approved treatment for type 2 diabetes has proved itself a successful weight loss treatment. The results of a US based study were presented at the American Diabetes Association where it was explained that the weight loss achieved on this drug far exceeded that which was expected, much to the excitement of the investigators at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine.
The trial included a run-in phase where participants consumed just 1200 to 1600 calories each day in order to achieve a target weight loss of 5% from the study’s outset. Four to twelve weeks later, the patients were divided into two groups and given Liraglutide or a placebo. This was a 3mg dose (after titration) as opposed to the 1.8 mg that is usually administered for diabetic patients.
The average age of the patients was 46 years and they weighed an average of 106kg. The average BMI was 38. Most patients in the Liraglutide group sustained their run-in weight 56 weeks after the groups were formed: 81% in the Liraglutide group as opposed to only 49% taking the placebo.
Liraglutide also caused a further average weight loss of 6.1% where the majority of patients lost 5 per cent on average. This was a surprise to the team at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine as all they had expected was that the Liraglutide would function to maintain the weight loss achieved during the run-in phase. There was no further weight loss reported in the placebo group post run-in phase.
There were fewer drop outs than expected with only 25% of participants from the Liraglutide group and 31% from the placebo group leaving the study. The most common complaint was nausea experienced by 48% of the group. The team explain that this reaction is to be expected during the first 4 to 5 weeks. No psychological effects were reported.
Between the weight loss achieved while taking Liraglutide and the reports of its safety and minimal side effects, it seems likely that an application will be made to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for its approval as a weight loss drug in overweight patients who are not diabetic.