Effectiveness of semaglutide versus liraglutide for treating post-metabolic and bariatric surgery weight recurrence

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2023 May;31(5):1280-1289. doi: 10.1002/oby.23736. Epub 2023 Mar 30.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of semaglutide versus liraglutide for treating post-metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) weight recurrence.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 207 adults with post-MBS weight recurrence treated with semaglutide 1.0 mg weekly (n = 115) or liraglutide 3.0 mg daily (n = 92) at an academic center from January 1, 2015, through April 1, 2021, was conducted. The primary end point was percentage body weight change at 12 months of treatment with regimens containing semaglutide or liraglutide.

Results: The mean sample age was 55.2 years; mean BMI was 40.4 kg/m2 ; 89.9% were female; and 50% completed sleeve gastrectomy, 29% completed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 21% completed adjustable gastric banding. Least-squares mean weight change at 12 months was -12.92% versus -8.77% in the semaglutide and liraglutide groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratios were 2.34 (95% CI: 1.28-4.29) for ≥10% weight loss and 2.55 (95% CI: 1.22-5.36) for ≥15% weight loss over 12 months in the semaglutide group versus liraglutide group, respectively. Weight-loss efficacy of semaglutide (vs. liraglutide) did not differ by subgroups explored, including age, sex, and MBS procedure.

Conclusions: These results show that treatment regimens including semaglutide 1.0 mg weekly lead to superior weight loss compared with liraglutide 3.0 mg daily for treating post-MBS weight recurrence, regardless of procedure type or the magnitude of weight recurrence.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bariatric Surgery*
  • Female
  • Glucagon-Like Peptides* / pharmacology
  • Glucagon-Like Peptides* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Liraglutide* / pharmacology
  • Liraglutide* / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity, Morbid* / drug therapy
  • Obesity, Morbid* / surgery
  • Postoperative Period
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Weight Gain* / drug effects
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Liraglutide
  • semaglutide
  • Glucagon-Like Peptides
  • Hypoglycemic Agents