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Study · Systematic review · 2026

16 results

Therapeutic Effects of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review.

Mahoon D, Kellany F, Khan I, Khan S, Butler AE

International journal of molecular sciences22 Jun 2026

Summary

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now increasingly termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is a growing cause of chronic liver disease with limited treatment options. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity, possess metabolic effects that may render them suitable for treating NAFLD and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists. Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively. The review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD420261337353). Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide. Improvements in liver enzymes, particularly alanine aminotransferase, were less consistent and best regarded as supportive rather than definitive evidence of histological improvement. Histological benefits were strongest for steatohepatitis resolution in non-cirrhotic MASH. Fibrosis findings were mixed, with the greatest benefit in F2-F3 MASH and limited improvement in established cirrhosis. GLP-1 receptor agonists were generally well tolerated, with gastrointestinal symptoms the most common adverse effects. GLP-1 receptor agonists show promising liver-related benefits in NAFLD and MASH, particularly in obesity, type 2 diabetes, or earlier-stage disease. Their effects on advanced fibrosis and long-term outcomes remain uncertain, warranting larger, longer-term studies.
CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study16

2 results from studies that gave the peptide. 2 results from people.

  1. 01HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In a searched systematic review of adults with NAFLD, NASH, MASLD or MASH, semaglutide was associated with reduced hepatic fat.

    In plain wordsIn a systematic review of adults with fatty liver disease, semaglutide was linked to lower liver fat.

    Outcome
    DecreaseHepatic fat
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Liver fat and liver function · Liver
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.
    3 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
  2. 02HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In a searched systematic review of adults with NAFLD, NASH, MASLD or MASH, liraglutide was associated with reduced hepatic fat.

    In plain wordsIn a systematic review of adults with fatty liver disease, liraglutide was linked to lower liver fat.

    Outcome
    DecreaseHepatic fat
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Liver fat and liver function · Liver
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.
    3 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.

Studies that did not test the peptide alone14

In this study, the peptide 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 the peptide.

  1. 03HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with NAFLD, NASH, MASLD or MASH, class-level GLP-1 findings including semaglutide showed less-consistent liver-enzyme improvements, particularly ALT, supportive rather than definitive evidence of histological improvement.

    In plain wordsIn adults with fatty liver disease, pooled GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide showed less-consistent ALT improvement; this did not establish histological improvement.

    Outcome
    Direction not reportedAlanine aminotransferase improvement
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Liver fat and liver function · Liver

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Improvements in liver enzymes, particularly alanine aminotransferase, were less consistent and best regarded as supportive rather than definitive evidence of histological improvement.
    4 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
    Summary · context
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.

    In this study, Semaglutide 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 Semaglutide.

  2. 04HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with NAFLD, NASH, MASLD or MASH, class-level GLP-1 findings including liraglutide showed less-consistent liver-enzyme improvements, particularly ALT, supportive rather than definitive evidence of histological improvement.

    In plain wordsIn adults with fatty liver disease, pooled GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide showed less-consistent ALT improvement; this did not establish histological improvement.

    Outcome
    Direction not reportedAlanine aminotransferase improvement
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Liver fat and liver function · Liver

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Improvements in liver enzymes, particularly alanine aminotransferase, were less consistent and best regarded as supportive rather than definitive evidence of histological improvement.
    4 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
    Summary · context
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.

    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. 05HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In the adult fatty-liver systematic review, class-level GLP-1 findings including semaglutide showed strongest histological benefit for steatohepatitis resolution in non-cirrhotic MASH.

    In plain wordsIn adults with non-cirrhotic MASH, pooled GLP-1 findings including semaglutide showed strongest histological benefit for steatohepatitis resolution.

    Outcome
    Direction not reportedSteatohepatitis resolution
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Liver fat and liver function · Liver

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Histological benefits were strongest for steatohepatitis resolution in non-cirrhotic MASH.
    4 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
    Summary · context
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.

    In this study, Semaglutide 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 Semaglutide.

  4. 06HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In the adult fatty-liver systematic review, class-level GLP-1 findings including liraglutide showed strongest histological benefit for steatohepatitis resolution in non-cirrhotic MASH.

    In plain wordsIn adults with non-cirrhotic MASH, pooled GLP-1 findings including liraglutide showed strongest histological benefit for steatohepatitis resolution.

    Outcome
    Direction not reportedSteatohepatitis resolution
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Liver fat and liver function · Liver

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Histological benefits were strongest for steatohepatitis resolution in non-cirrhotic MASH.
    4 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
    Summary · context
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.

    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. 07HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with NAFLD, NASH, MASLD or MASH, class-level GLP-1 findings including semaglutide showed mixed fibrosis results.

    In plain wordsIn adults with fatty liver disease, pooled GLP-1 findings including semaglutide showed mixed fibrosis results.

    Outcome
    MixedFibrosis
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Liver fat and liver function · Liver

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Fibrosis findings were mixed, with the greatest benefit in F2-F3 MASH and limited improvement in established cirrhosis.
    4 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
    Summary · context
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.

    In this study, Semaglutide 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 Semaglutide.

  6. 08HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with NAFLD, NASH, MASLD or MASH, class-level GLP-1 findings including liraglutide showed mixed fibrosis results.

    In plain wordsIn adults with fatty liver disease, pooled GLP-1 findings including liraglutide showed mixed fibrosis results.

    Outcome
    MixedFibrosis
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Liver fat and liver function · Liver

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Fibrosis findings were mixed, with the greatest benefit in F2-F3 MASH and limited improvement in established cirrhosis.
    4 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
    Summary · context
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.

    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. 09HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome

    In adults with NAFLD, NASH, MASLD or MASH, gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common adverse effects across GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide.

    In plain wordsIn adults with fatty liver disease, stomach and bowel symptoms were the most common side effects across GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide.

    Outcome
    Not applicableGastrointestinal symptoms
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    GLP-1 receptor agonists were generally well tolerated, with gastrointestinal symptoms the most common adverse effects.
    4 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
    Summary · context
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.

    In this study, Semaglutide 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 Semaglutide.

  8. 10HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome

    In adults with NAFLD, NASH, MASLD or MASH, gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common adverse effects across GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide.

    In plain wordsIn adults with fatty liver disease, stomach and bowel symptoms were the most common side effects across GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide.

    Outcome
    Not applicableGastrointestinal symptoms
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    GLP-1 receptor agonists were generally well tolerated, with gastrointestinal symptoms the most common adverse effects.
    4 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
    Summary · context
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.

    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.

  9. 11HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In the systematic review of adults with F2-F3 MASH, class-level GLP-1 findings including semaglutide showed the greatest fibrosis benefit.

    In plain wordsIn adults with F2-F3 MASH, across GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide, fibrosis benefit was greatest.

    Outcome
    Direction not reportedFibrosis benefit in F2-F3 MASH
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Liver fat and liver function · Liver

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Fibrosis findings were mixed, with the greatest benefit in F2-F3 MASH and limited improvement in established cirrhosis.
    4 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
    Summary · context
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.

    In this study, Semaglutide 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 Semaglutide.

  10. 12HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In the systematic review of adults with established cirrhosis, class-level GLP-1 findings including semaglutide showed limited fibrosis improvement.

    In plain wordsIn adults with established cirrhosis, across GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide, fibrosis improvement was limited.

    Outcome
    Direction not reportedFibrosis improvement in established cirrhosis
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Liver fat and liver function · Liver

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Fibrosis findings were mixed, with the greatest benefit in F2-F3 MASH and limited improvement in established cirrhosis.
    4 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
    Summary · context
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.

    In this study, Semaglutide 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 Semaglutide.

  11. 13HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome

    In the systematic review of adults with NAFLD, NASH, MASLD or MASH, class-level GLP-1 findings including semaglutide were generally well tolerated.

    In plain wordsIn adults with fatty liver disease, across GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide, treatment was generally well tolerated.

    Outcome
    Not applicableOverall tolerability
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Adverse events · Whole body

    Source sentences

    Summary
    GLP-1 receptor agonists were generally well tolerated, with gastrointestinal symptoms the most common adverse effects.
    4 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
    Summary · context
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.

    In this study, Semaglutide 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 Semaglutide.

  12. 14HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In the systematic review of adults with F2-F3 MASH, class-level GLP-1 findings including liraglutide showed the greatest fibrosis benefit.

    In plain wordsIn adults with F2-F3 MASH, across GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide, fibrosis benefit was greatest.

    Outcome
    Direction not reportedFibrosis benefit in F2-F3 MASH
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Liver fat and liver function · Liver

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Fibrosis findings were mixed, with the greatest benefit in F2-F3 MASH and limited improvement in established cirrhosis.
    4 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
    Summary · context
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.

    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.

  13. 15HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In the systematic review of adults with established cirrhosis, class-level GLP-1 findings including liraglutide showed limited fibrosis improvement.

    In plain wordsIn adults with established cirrhosis, across GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide, fibrosis improvement was limited.

    Outcome
    Direction not reportedFibrosis improvement in established cirrhosis
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Liver fat and liver function · Liver

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Fibrosis findings were mixed, with the greatest benefit in F2-F3 MASH and limited improvement in established cirrhosis.
    4 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
    Summary · context
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.

    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.

  14. 16HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome

    In the systematic review of adults with NAFLD, NASH, MASLD or MASH, class-level GLP-1 findings including liraglutide were generally well tolerated.

    In plain wordsIn adults with fatty liver disease, across GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide, treatment was generally well tolerated.

    Outcome
    Not applicableOverall tolerability
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Adverse events · Whole body

    Source sentences

    Summary
    GLP-1 receptor agonists were generally well tolerated, with gastrointestinal symptoms the most common adverse effects.
    4 context sentences
    Summary · context
    To evaluate the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASLD, or MASH.
    Summary · context
    PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using keywords related to NAFLD and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    Summary · context
    Given heterogeneity in populations, designs, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
    Summary · context
    The most consistent outcome was a reduction in hepatic fat, seen with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and beinaglutide.

    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. Version 3Current

    12 Oct 2026, 11:11 UTC

    Study results updated

  2. Version 2

    9 Oct 2026, 03:06 UTC

    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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