JAMA Netw Open

Liraglutide boosts weight loss in patients with suboptimal response to bariatric surgery

October 30, 2025

Liraglutide significantly increased weight loss in patients with suboptimal response to bariatric surgery, suggesting that adjunctive pharmacotherapy may help avoid conversion surgery and improve outcomes in this challenging population.

Study details: This prospective, double-blind, single-center randomized trial enrolled adults 12 to 36 months post-metabolic bariatric surgery (adjustable gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy, one anastomosis gastric bypass, or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) with stable weight and BMI >35 who'd achieved only modest weight loss. Participants (N = 48) were randomized to daily self-administered liraglutide or placebo for 12 months, with self-titrated dosing.

Results: At 12 months, liraglutide recipients lost a mean of 5.7 kg, while the placebo group gained 1.4 kg (between-group difference: 7.1 kg; 95% confidence interal, 3.9–10.3 kg; P < 0.001). No adverse effects on health or quality of life were observed.

Source:

Brown WA, et al. (2025, October 1). JAMA Netw Open. Liraglutide and Weight Loss Among Suboptimal Responders to Metabolic Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41160027/