Hormonal
Injectable dual incretin receptor agonists (tirzepatide) produce superior mean weight loss (20.1 kg) compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide 14.9 kg, liraglutide 8.4 kg) in adults with overweight or obesity.
If you have obesity (BMI ≥25), injectable medications like tirzepatide, semaglutide, or liraglutide are significantly more effective for weight loss than lifestyle changes alone. Tirzepatide offers the highest weight loss, while semaglutide balances efficacy and tolerability. Liraglutide is a moderate option, potentially suitable for those who prefer daily dosing or have lower tolerance for side effects. Discuss individual factors with your provider.
Tirzepatide demonstrated the highest mean weight loss (20.1 kg), followed by semaglutide (14.9 kg) and liraglutide (8.4 kg).
Why this rating
Based on 18 RCTs and 5 observational studies, though narrative synthesis limits statistical pooling.
Source
The Rising Burden of Obesity and the Emerging Role of Injectable Weight-Loss Therapies: A Systematic Literature Review
Jeyatheepan Jeyatheepan Jeyaretnam · Global Journal of Obesity Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome · 2026
DOI 10.17352/gjodms.000069
Related findings · Hormonal
- Initial treatment for type 2 diabetes should be a combination of metformin and either an SGLT-2 inhibitor or a GLP-1 receptor agonist to achieve cardiorenal protection, rather than monotherapy or older agents like sulfonylureas.Strong
- For patients with specific monogenic obesity syndromes (leptin deficiency, POMC/PCSK1/LEPR mutations), targeted pharmacotherapy (recombinant leptin or setmelanotide) is highly effective and should be prioritized, unlike in polygenic obesity.Strong
- Continued weekly administration of 2.4 mg subcutaneous semaglutide prevents weight regain and promotes further weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity, whereas switching to placebo results in significant weight regain.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →