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

Sara Asgarian, Razman Arabzadeh Bahri, Razieh Khalooeifard, Peyvand Parhizkar Roudsari, Hanieh Radkhah, Shiva Rahimipour Anaraki, Diar Zooravar, Reza Hosseini Dolama, Ali Alirezaei

Journal: Eating and weight disorders : EWD 2025;30(1):10

PMID: 39891848

Free Full Text on PubMed Central View on PubMed

Plain Language Summary

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are medications that may help manage binge eating disorder (BED). This systematic review and meta-analysis of 5 studies and 182 participants examined the effects of GLP-1 agonists on weight management and eating behaviours in individuals with BED.

The results showed that patients treated with GLP-1 agonists showed improvements in their eating behaviours and weight management compared to those not receiving the treatment.

It was concluded that GLP-1 agonists could be a promising option for BED management. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand the potential benefits of GLP-1 agonists in treating binge eating disorder. However, the long-term implications of this have not been studied and should be considered when considering this medication.

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: 59.88%) compared to controls. GLP-1 agonists significantly reduced BMI (- 1.48 kg/m) 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.

Address: Sina Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.; School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.; Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.; Students' Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.; Tehran Heart Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.; Assistant Professor of Clinical Nutrition, Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.; Department of Clinical Nutrition School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1007/s40519-025-01720-9