Key result
GLP-1RAs cut body weight by ~6.8 kg vs. placebo in patients on antipsychotics.
Why the study?
GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as a potential treatment for antipsychotic-induced weight gain, but their efficacy on anthropometric and adiposity measures required systematic investigation.
Do GLP-1RAs reduce weight and adiposity measures in patients with antipsychotic-induced weight gain?
Meta-Analysis (n=595)
Do GLP-1RAs reduce weight and adiposity measures in patients with antipsychotic-induced weight gain?
Mean Difference: -6.82 (95% CI -9.66–-3.97)
p-value: p=< 0.0001
GLP-1RAs significantly reduce body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and visceral fat in patients with antipsychotic-induced weight gain.
GLP-1RAs support weight management in relevant populations; confirms efficacy via Level 1 meta-analysis.
Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have emerged as a potential treatment for antipsychotic-induced weight gain. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy of GLP-1RAs on weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and visceral fat in patients receiving antipsychotics. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central, and APA PsycINFO through April 21, 2026, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of GLP-1RAs in patients treated with antipsychotics. Outcomes included weight, BMI, waist circumference, and visceral fat. Between-group mean differences (MDs) and their standard errors were used for meta-analyses. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251118829). Results: Nine RCTs including 595 participants were identified, of whom 294 received GLP-1RAs and 301 received placebo. Four studies reported visceral fat outcomes. GLP-1RAs significantly reduced body weight (MD −6.82 kg (95% confidence interval; CI −9.66 to −3.97), p < 0.0001), BMI (−2.23 kg/m 2 (95% CI −3.15 to −1.30), p < 0.0001), waist circumference (−4.94 cm (95% CI −6.92 to −2.96), p < 0.0001), and visceral fat (−0.37 kg (95% CI −0.69 to −0.05), p = 0.0255) compared with placebo. The certainty of evidence was rated as moderate across all outcomes. Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates the benefit of GLP-1RAs in reducing body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and visceral fat. These findings support the clinical utility of GLP-1RAs as adjunctive treatments in patients with psychiatric disease and underscore the need for further trials with adiposity endpoints.
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Lee et al. (2026) conducted a meta-analysis in Antipsychotic-induced weight gain (n=595). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) vs. Placebo was evaluated on Body weight (MD -6.82 kg, 95% CI -9.66 to -3.97, p=< 0.0001). GLP-1RAs significantly reduced body weight (MD -6.82 kg; 95% CI -9.66 to -3.97; p<0.0001) compared with placebo in patients treated with antipsychotics.
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