Diabetes drug liraglutide 'better than orlistat and placebo for weight loss'

26 Oct 09

The drug was the second incretin mimetic to be launched after exenatide

Liraglutide was found to reduce weight by 2.2-4.4kg more than placebo over 20 weeks, and up to 3.1kg more than orlistat, depending on dose.

The study found that 76% of people lost more than 5% of body weight with the highest dose of liraglutide, compared to 30% of those on placebo, and 44% of those on orlistat.

As well as weight loss, patients taking liraglutide had a reduction in waist circumference of a mean 6.6-7.1 cm at the highest dose (3.0mg) – similar to that achieved with orlistat. They had lower blood pressure, and a lower frequency of prediabetes.

However, those taking liraglutide had a much higher rate of nausea and vomiting side effects. These were described as transient mild to moderate by the European researchers, including professor Michael Lean from the University of Glasgow.

Lancet 2009; published online October 23.