Glucagon‐like peptide agonists for weight management in antipsychotic‐induced weight gain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Introduction Managing body weight in patients with antipsychotic‐induced weight gain (AIWG) is challenging. Besides lifestyle interventions, pharmacological interventions may contribute to weight loss. This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the effect on weight loss and adverse effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonists in patients with AIWG. Materials and Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we performed a meta‐analysis of blinded and open‐label randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non‐randomised controlled trials and cohort studies that evaluated treatment with GLP‐1 in patients with AIWG, regardless of psychiatric diagnosis. PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Primary outcome measures were changes in body weight and BMI. Secondary outcomes were changes in adverse effects and severity of psychopathology due to GLP‐1 agonists. Results Only data for exenatide and liraglutide could be included, that is, five RCTs and one cohort study. For exenatide the mean weight loss was −2.48 kg (95% Confidence Interval (CI) −5.12 to +0.64; p = 0.07), for liraglutide the mean weight loss was −4.70 kg (95% CI −4.85 to −4.56; p