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Study · Systematic review · 2025

13 results

GLP-1 receptor agonists as an adjunct to bariatric surgery for weight loss and metabolic outcome improvement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tan YW, Shang M, Davis S, Gananadha S

Langenbeck's archives of surgery10 Oct 2025Cited by 12 (Europe PMC)

PMID41071360 (opens in a new tab)PMCIDPMC12513976 (opens in a new tab)DOI10.1007/s00423-025-03831-4 (opens in a new tab)PepBankPUB-41071360
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Summary

Glucagon-Like- Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist has an emerging role in obesity management. This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in aiding weight loss and enhancing cardiometabolic health in patients with insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery.  METHODS: A comprehensive literature search (PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Included studies involved adults (≥18 years) treated with GLP-1 agonists either before or after bariatric surgery. Primary outcomes assessed were weight and BMI changes; secondary outcomes included metabolic improvements and adverse effects. RESULTS : 19 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. All included study involves at least one type of GLP-1 agonist for IWL or WR after bariatric surgery with duration of intervention between 3 months to 24 months. All studies showed significant weight and BMI changes from baseline after initiation of different types of GLP-1 agonist, with effects proportionate to length of intervention. Semaglutide outperformed liraglutide in achieving ≥10% and ≥15% weight loss post-surgery. Tirzepatide, a newer GLP-1/GIP agonist, showed even greater weight loss compared to semaglutide over 6 months. A systematic review of 6 studies on the metabolic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists (RA) post-bariatric surgery highlighted significant improvements in glycemic control, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and liver function. Adverse effects were mostly mild gastrointestinal symptoms with no severe events reported. CONCLUSION: GLP-1 agonists have emerged as a promising alternative to revisional surgery for patients experiencing insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery. Tirzepatide, the newest GLP-1 /GIP agonist, has shown superior results compared to liraglutide and semaglutide. However, more long-term randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and further assess its effectiveness. Despite this, GLP-1 agonists consistently demonstrate significant weight loss and cardiometabolic improvements when compared to placebo or lifestyle modifications, making them a valuable treatment option for post-bariatric surgery patients.
CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study13

5 results from studies that gave the peptide. 5 results from people.

  1. 01HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with insufficient weight loss or weight regain after bariatric surgery, semaglutide outperformed liraglutide in achieving a weight loss of 10% or more.

    In plain wordsAfter bariatric surgery, more people on semaglutide than on liraglutide lost 10% or more of their weight.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    IncreaseWeight loss of 10% or more after bariatric surgery
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Comparator
    Liraglutide
    Outcome group
    Body weight · Metabolic and weight
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Semaglutide outperformed liraglutide in achieving ≥10% and ≥15% weight loss post-surgery.
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in aiding weight loss and enhancing cardiometabolic health in patients with insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery.
    Summary · context
    Included studies involved adults (≥18 years) treated with GLP-1 agonists either before or after bariatric surgery.
  2. 02HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with insufficient weight loss or weight regain after bariatric surgery, semaglutide outperformed liraglutide in achieving a weight loss of 15% or more.

    In plain wordsAfter bariatric surgery, more people on semaglutide than on liraglutide lost 15% or more of their weight.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    IncreaseWeight loss of 15% or more after bariatric surgery
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Comparator
    Liraglutide
    Outcome group
    Body weight · Metabolic and weight
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Semaglutide outperformed liraglutide in achieving ≥10% and ≥15% weight loss post-surgery.
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in aiding weight loss and enhancing cardiometabolic health in patients with insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery.
    Summary · context
    Included studies involved adults (≥18 years) treated with GLP-1 agonists either before or after bariatric surgery.
  3. 03HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with insufficient weight loss or weight regain after bariatric surgery, tirzepatide showed greater weight loss than semaglutide over 6 months.

    In plain wordsAfter bariatric surgery, people on tirzepatide lost more weight than people on semaglutide over 6 months.

    Peptide
    Tirzepatide
    Outcome
    DecreaseWeight loss over 6 months versus semaglutide
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Comparator
    Semaglutide
    Outcome group
    Body weight · Metabolic and weight
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated · 6 monthsAs given in this study (human).

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Tirzepatide, a newer GLP-1/GIP agonist, showed even greater weight loss compared to semaglutide over 6 months.
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in aiding weight loss and enhancing cardiometabolic health in patients with insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery.
    Summary · context
    Included studies involved adults (≥18 years) treated with GLP-1 agonists either before or after bariatric surgery.
  4. 04HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults after bariatric surgery, fewer patients on liraglutide reached 10% or more weight loss than on semaglutide.

    In plain wordsIn adults after bariatric surgery, liraglutide helped fewer people reach 10% weight loss than semaglutide did.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseAchievement of 10% or more weight loss after bariatric surgery
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Comparator
    Semaglutide
    Outcome group
    Body weight · Metabolic and weight
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Semaglutide outperformed liraglutide in achieving ≥10% and ≥15% weight loss post-surgery.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in aiding weight loss and enhancing cardiometabolic health in patients with insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery.
  5. 05HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults after bariatric surgery, fewer patients on liraglutide reached 15% or more weight loss than on semaglutide.

    In plain wordsIn adults after bariatric surgery, liraglutide helped fewer people reach 15% weight loss than semaglutide did.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseAchievement of 15% or more weight loss after bariatric surgery
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Comparator
    Semaglutide
    Outcome group
    Body weight · Metabolic and weight
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Semaglutide outperformed liraglutide in achieving ≥10% and ≥15% weight loss post-surgery.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in aiding weight loss and enhancing cardiometabolic health in patients with insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery.

Studies that did not test the peptide alone8

In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  1. 06HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with insufficient weight loss or weight regain after bariatric surgery, all included studies showed significant weight changes from baseline after starting various GLP-1 agonists.

    In plain wordsIn adults after bariatric surgery, all studies showed significant weight change after starting various GLP-1 drugs, larger with longer treatment.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseWeight change from baseline after GLP-1 agonist, pooled
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Body weight · Metabolic and weight

    Source sentences

    Summary
    All studies showed significant weight and BMI changes from baseline after initiation of different types of GLP-1 agonist, with effects proportionate to length of intervention.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in aiding weight loss and enhancing cardiometabolic health in patients with insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  2. 07HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with insufficient weight loss or weight regain after bariatric surgery, all included studies showed significant BMI changes from baseline after starting various GLP-1 agonists.

    In plain wordsIn adults after bariatric surgery, all studies showed significant BMI change after starting various GLP-1 drugs, larger with longer treatment.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseBMI change from baseline after GLP-1 agonist, pooled
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Body weight · Metabolic and weight

    Source sentences

    Summary
    All studies showed significant weight and BMI changes from baseline after initiation of different types of GLP-1 agonist, with effects proportionate to length of intervention.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in aiding weight loss and enhancing cardiometabolic health in patients with insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  3. 08HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In a systematic review of 6 studies after bariatric surgery, GLP-1 receptor agonists pooled gave significant improvements in glycemic control.

    In plain wordsIn 6 studies after bariatric surgery, GLP-1 drugs as a group were linked to better blood sugar control.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    Not applicableGlycemic control after GLP-1 RA post-bariatric surgery, 6-study review
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight

    Source sentences

    Summary
    A systematic review of 6 studies on the metabolic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists (RA) post-bariatric surgery highlighted significant improvements in glycemic control, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and liver function.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in aiding weight loss and enhancing cardiometabolic health in patients with insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  4. 09HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In a systematic review of 6 studies after bariatric surgery, GLP-1 receptor agonists pooled gave significant improvements in blood pressure.

    In plain wordsIn 6 studies after bariatric surgery, GLP-1 drugs as a group were linked to better blood pressure.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    Not applicableBlood pressure after GLP-1 RA post-bariatric surgery, 6-study review
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Blood pressure · Cardiovascular

    Source sentences

    Summary
    A systematic review of 6 studies on the metabolic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists (RA) post-bariatric surgery highlighted significant improvements in glycemic control, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and liver function.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in aiding weight loss and enhancing cardiometabolic health in patients with insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  5. 10HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In a systematic review of 6 studies after bariatric surgery, GLP-1 receptor agonists pooled gave significant improvements in cholesterol levels.

    In plain wordsIn 6 studies after bariatric surgery, GLP-1 drugs as a group were linked to better cholesterol levels.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    Not applicableCholesterol after GLP-1 RA post-bariatric surgery, 6-study review
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Lipids · Metabolic and weight

    Source sentences

    Summary
    A systematic review of 6 studies on the metabolic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists (RA) post-bariatric surgery highlighted significant improvements in glycemic control, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and liver function.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in aiding weight loss and enhancing cardiometabolic health in patients with insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  6. 11HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In a systematic review of 6 studies after bariatric surgery, GLP-1 receptor agonists pooled gave significant improvements in liver function.

    In plain wordsIn 6 studies after bariatric surgery, GLP-1 drugs as a group were linked to better liver function.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    Not applicableLiver function after GLP-1 RA post-bariatric surgery, 6-study review
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Liver fat and liver function · Liver

    Source sentences

    Summary
    A systematic review of 6 studies on the metabolic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists (RA) post-bariatric surgery highlighted significant improvements in glycemic control, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and liver function.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in aiding weight loss and enhancing cardiometabolic health in patients with insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  7. 12HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome

    In adults after bariatric surgery, adverse effects of pooled GLP-1 agonists were mostly mild gastrointestinal symptoms.

    In plain wordsIn adults after bariatric surgery, side effects of GLP-1 drugs as a group were mostly mild stomach and gut symptoms.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    Not applicableAdverse effects of GLP-1 agonists, mostly mild gastrointestinal symptoms
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Adverse effects were mostly mild gastrointestinal symptoms
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in aiding weight loss and enhancing cardiometabolic health in patients with insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  8. 13HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome

    In adults after bariatric surgery, no severe adverse events were reported with pooled GLP-1 agonists.

    In plain wordsIn adults after bariatric surgery, no severe side effects were reported for GLP-1 drugs as a group.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    No significant changeSevere adverse events of GLP-1 agonists
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Adverse events · Whole body

    Source sentences

    Summary
    with no severe events reported.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in aiding weight loss and enhancing cardiometabolic health in patients with insufficient weight loss (IWL) or weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

  1. Versions 4 to 39Current

    28 Oct 2026, 02:04 UTC

    The same notice was added 36 times, first on 9 Oct 2026, 18:17 UTC. The status did not change between them.

    Study results updated

  2. Versions 2 to 3

    9 Oct 2026, 03:07 UTC

    The same notice was added 2 times, first on 9 Oct 2026, 03:06 UTC. The status did not change between them.

    Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC

  3. Version 1

    9 Oct 2026, 03:04 UTC

    First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

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