Lower Baseline BMI Predicts Weight Loss At 6 Months With Liraglutide

Lower baseline body mass index (BMI) and early weight loss at 3 months with liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) were correlated to significant weight reductions, according to results of a study published in BMC Endocrine Disorders. The study authors said the predictors can be used to improve patient care and optimize outcomes.¹

“Identifying these patterns can help clinicians select patients who are most likely to benefit from liraglutide, improving treatment decisions,” the study authors said.^{1 “}By recognizing early predictors, our study aims to support personalized liraglutide use, ensuring that patients most likely to respond are prioritized.”

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications have been approved for a variety of indications, such as diabetes and weight loss. The therapy mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which is released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. Currently, semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), liraglutide, tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and exenatide (Byetta, Bydrureon) are the approved GLP-1 medications. However, GLP-1 therapies can come with a lot of adverse effects, such as rapid loss of fat in the face and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.²

Liraglutide is approved to lower blood sugar with diet and exercise for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). It also has an indication for weight loss with a reduced-calorie diet and proper exercise.³

Investigators of the study aimed to determine the clinical and biochemical factors that can be associated with weight loss of more than 5% in 6 months for patients with T2D using liraglutide 3 mg once daily. The cohort included adults 18 years and older who were prescribed liraglutide between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022. There were 209 patients included in the study, with 57 classified as experiencing significant weight loss and 152 who did not. Approximately 50.2% were female, and there was a mean age of 56 years and a mean body weight of 88.4 kg. The study authors reported no statistically significant differences between 2 groups, including sex, age, baseline body weight, BMI, and baseline systolic and diastolic blood pressure.¹

Dyslipidemia was less frequent in patients with weight loss (66.7%) compared with patients without (79.6%), but it did not reach statistical significance. There were also statistical differences in the use of metformin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and clopidogrel.¹

The study authors reported that a lower baseline BMI and weight loss at 3 months were associated with a higher likelihood of achieving significant weight loss at 6 months. However, there were no statistically significant associations for age, sex, baseline creatinine, baseline hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c), changes of HbA_1c during treatment, baseline systolic blood pressure, baseline low-density lipoprotein, or other medications, according to the study authors.¹

“Further studies are needed to confirm the causal relationships between these predictors and weight loss outcomes with liraglutide,” the study authors said.¹ “Developing a predictive model or risk score using these predictors could personalize GLP-1 RAs [receptor agonists] treatment, enhancing precision medicine and improving patient outcomes.”

READ MORE: Diabetes Resource Center

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REFERENCES

1. Wangpattanamongkol P, Manosroi W. Predictors of weight reduction effectiveness with liraglutide in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Endocr Disord. 2025;25(1):240. Published 2025 Oct 23. doi:10.1186/s12902-025-02066-0

2. Catanese L. GLP-1 diabetes and weight-loss drug side effects: “Ozempic face” and more. Harvard Health Publishing. February 5, 2024. Accessed October 24, 2025. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/glp-1-diabetes-and-weight-loss-drug-side-effects-ozempic-face-and-more

3. Mayo Clinic. Liraglutide (subcutaneous route). Updated August 1, 2025. Accessed October 24, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/liraglutide-subcutaneous-route/description/drg-20073828