Research

Hormonal

GLP-1 receptor agonists produce significant weight loss (average 1.5–3 kg) in patients with type 2 diabetes, whereas DPP-4 inhibitors have a neutral effect on body weight.

If you have type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists (like liraglutide or exenatide) are likely to help you lose 1.5–3 kg, which is a modest but clinically relevant benefit. DPP-4 inhibitors (like sitagliptin) will not help you lose weight, but they also won't make you gain it. The choice depends on your specific health profile and preference for oral vs. injectable medication.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
In summary, weight loss observed among GLP-1 receptor agonists has been similar, on average ranging from 1.5 to 3 kg... Overall, the effects DPP-4 inhibitors have on body weight appear to be neutral.
Melissa E. Rotz et al. · International Journal of Clinical Practice · 2014

Why this rating

Based on multiple RCTs and meta-analyses cited, though clinical significance of small weight changes is noted.

Source

Implications of incretin-based therapies on cardiovascular disease

Melissa E. Rotz et al. · International Journal of Clinical Practice · 2014

DOI 10.1111/ijcp.12572

systematic_reviewCited 12×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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