The impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in the treatment of eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Purpose Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have shown potential in managing eating disorders (EDs). Recent studies highlight their effects on pathophysiological pathways, indicating their therapeutic promise, particularly for binge eating disorder (BED). This systematic revie...

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Main Authors: Hanieh Radkhah, Shiva Rahimipour Anaraki, Peyvand Parhizkar Roudsari, Razman Arabzadeh Bahri, Diar Zooravar, Sara Asgarian, Reza Hosseini Dolama, Ali Alirezaei, Razieh Khalooeifard
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-02-01
Series:Eating and Weight Disorders
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-025-01720-9
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author Hanieh Radkhah
Shiva Rahimipour Anaraki
Peyvand Parhizkar Roudsari
Razman Arabzadeh Bahri
Diar Zooravar
Sara Asgarian
Reza Hosseini Dolama
Ali Alirezaei
Razieh Khalooeifard
author_facet Hanieh Radkhah
Shiva Rahimipour Anaraki
Peyvand Parhizkar Roudsari
Razman Arabzadeh Bahri
Diar Zooravar
Sara Asgarian
Reza Hosseini Dolama
Ali Alirezaei
Razieh Khalooeifard
author_sort Hanieh Radkhah
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Purpose Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have shown potential in managing eating disorders (EDs). Recent studies highlight their effects on pathophysiological pathways, indicating their therapeutic promise, particularly for binge eating disorder (BED). This systematic review evaluates the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 agonists on BED, focusing on weight management and eating behaviors. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, along with manual searches, identified studies assessing GLP-1 agonists in BED patients up to November 8, 2024. Observational studies and clinical trials meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. Results Five studies (182 participants) were included. Patients receiving GLP-1 agonists experienced greater weight loss (− 3.81 kg; 95% CI − 5.14 to − 2.49; p < 0.01, I 2: 59.88%) compared to controls. GLP-1 agonists significantly reduced BMI (− 1.48 kg/m2) and waist circumference (− 3.14 cm). Binge Eating Scale (BES) scores improved significantly (− 8.14 points; 95% CI − 13.13 to − 3.15; p < 0.01), though heterogeneity was noted. Conclusions This review underscores the potential role of GLP-1 agonists in BED management. However, given the limited data, especially concerning EDs other than BED and the long-term effects of these medications, further comprehensive clinical trials are recommended to evaluate the impact of various GLP-1 agonists on different EDs across diverse demographic groups. Level of evidence Level I, randomized controlled trials.
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spelling doaj-art-2ddce3158eba4652843e940212594fb92025-02-02T12:05:44ZengSpringerEating and Weight Disorders1590-12622025-02-0130111210.1007/s40519-025-01720-9The impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in the treatment of eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysisHanieh Radkhah0Shiva Rahimipour Anaraki1Peyvand Parhizkar Roudsari2Razman Arabzadeh Bahri3Diar Zooravar4Sara Asgarian5Reza Hosseini Dolama6Ali Alirezaei7Razieh Khalooeifard8Sina Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Tehran University of Medical SciencesSchool of Medicine, Iran University of Medical SciencesTehran University of Medical SciencesSchool of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical SciencesSchool of Medicine, Iran University of Medical SciencesCellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesStudents’ Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical SciencesAssistant Professor of Clinical Nutrition, Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Clinical Nutrition School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical SciencesAbstract Purpose Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have shown potential in managing eating disorders (EDs). Recent studies highlight their effects on pathophysiological pathways, indicating their therapeutic promise, particularly for binge eating disorder (BED). This systematic review evaluates the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 agonists on BED, focusing on weight management and eating behaviors. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, along with manual searches, identified studies assessing GLP-1 agonists in BED patients up to November 8, 2024. Observational studies and clinical trials meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. Results Five studies (182 participants) were included. Patients receiving GLP-1 agonists experienced greater weight loss (− 3.81 kg; 95% CI − 5.14 to − 2.49; p < 0.01, I 2: 59.88%) compared to controls. GLP-1 agonists significantly reduced BMI (− 1.48 kg/m2) and waist circumference (− 3.14 cm). Binge Eating Scale (BES) scores improved significantly (− 8.14 points; 95% CI − 13.13 to − 3.15; p < 0.01), though heterogeneity was noted. Conclusions This review underscores the potential role of GLP-1 agonists in BED management. However, given the limited data, especially concerning EDs other than BED and the long-term effects of these medications, further comprehensive clinical trials are recommended to evaluate the impact of various GLP-1 agonists on different EDs across diverse demographic groups. Level of evidence Level I, randomized controlled trials.https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-025-01720-9Glucagon-like peptide 1GLP-1Eating disordersMeta-analysis
spellingShingle Hanieh Radkhah
Shiva Rahimipour Anaraki
Peyvand Parhizkar Roudsari
Razman Arabzadeh Bahri
Diar Zooravar
Sara Asgarian
Reza Hosseini Dolama
Ali Alirezaei
Razieh Khalooeifard
The impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in the treatment of eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Eating and Weight Disorders
Glucagon-like peptide 1
GLP-1
Eating disorders
Meta-analysis
title The impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in the treatment of eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full The impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in the treatment of eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_fullStr The impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in the treatment of eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full_unstemmed The impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in the treatment of eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_short The impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in the treatment of eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_sort impact of glucagon like peptide 1 glp 1 agonists in the treatment of eating disorders a systematic review and meta analysis
topic Glucagon-like peptide 1
GLP-1
Eating disorders
Meta-analysis
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-025-01720-9
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