Liraglutide 3.0 (Saxenda) in bariatric patients: a retrospective real-world clinical evaluation of effectiveness

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues such as liraglutide 3.0 mg (Saxenda) have yielded significant weight loss in clinical trials when combined with lifestyle interventions. Despite the recent approval of liraglutide 3.0 mg, its success among patients attending specialist bariatric units remains uncertain. Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of liraglutide 3.0 mg on weight, body mass index (BMI), treatment tolerability and its effects on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Methods: Clinical data were retrospectively obtained from medical records within Tier 3-4 bariatric weight management clinics. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were employed to establish the statistical significance (p<0.05) of changes in weight and HbA1c. Results: 33 patients were identified (72.7% female with mean baseline age, weight and BMI of 44.8 years, 156.6 kg and 55.0 kg/m2, respectively). Eighteen patients had completed 26 weeks of treatment. Of the 18 patients, the discontinuation rate due to side effects was 15.2%, indicating substantial treatment tolerance. After 26 weeks of treatment, BMI (±standard deviation) was significantly reduced by 7.9±6.3% (p<0.05) and 72.2% of patients achieved at least 5% weight loss. Additionally, a significant decrease in median HbA1c (4.5±4.5 mmol/mol) was observed (p<0.05), concurrent with increased remission from prediabetes. Conclusion: This retrospective study revealed that liraglutide 3.0 mg, together with lifestyle management, reduced weight and improved glycaemic control. These results support liraglutide’s application in certain high-risk populations, including patients waiting for bariatric surgical intervention.