Health
Up to a third of clinical trial patients see minimal weight loss on GLP-1 drugs
The Guardian reports that up to a third of trial participants lose under 5% of body weight, though the drugs often yield major reductions.
The short version
- Clinical trials indicate that GLP-1 medications can help participants lose an average of 15% to 20% of their body weight.[The Guardian]
- Between 9% and a third of participants in clinical trials lose less than 5% of their body weight.[The Guardian]
- Prof Alexander Miras stated that the efficacy of the drugs cannot be blamed on patients, noting that age and sex play a role in weight loss outcomes.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Clinical trials show that GLP-1 medications can produce an average body weight loss of 15% to 20%.[The Guardian]
- Between 9% and one-third of participants in clinical trials achieve less than 5% body weight loss.[The Guardian]
- Prof Alexander Miras stated that the efficacy of the medications cannot be blamed on patients.[The Guardian]
- Prof Alexander Miras noted that factors such as age and sex influence the extent of weight lost by individuals.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The exact reasons why weight loss ranges from significant reductions to less than 5% across different clinical trial participants are not fully detailed.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Cravings ‘like heroin withdrawal’: what happens when weight-loss drugs don’t work?The Guardian - Science