Is liraglutide safe and effective in the elderly obese patients?: A single center experience

The prevalence of Obesity is increasing globally, including in Türkiye, and affects all age groups, including the elderly. Previous clinical trials have shown the efficacy and safety of liraglutide in reducing the body weight of older adults. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of liraglutide on weight loss and to identify any adverse effects in elderly individuals with obesity. This retrospective cohort study included patients aged ≥ 60 years with a body-mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 or greater and other comorbidities, as well as those with an initial BMI ≥ 30. All patients referred from a private tertiary clinic were prescribed liraglutide for obesity treatment. Data were collected from September 2023 to September 2024, with metabolic and anthropometric parameters recorded at the first appointment, followed by the monitoring of body weight and adverse effects during treatment. The mean age of the 32 patients was 63.78 years (± 10.50 years), with 90.6% of patients being female. Their mean weight and BMI were 94.31 ± 14.82 kg and 36.49 ± 5.34 kg/m², respectively. The body weight loss percentages were 5.96% at week 4, 10.06% at week 8, 13.85% at week 12, and 15.80% at week 24 (all P < .0001). At week 24, 100% of the patients lost more than 5% and 10% of their initial weight, respectively. Nausea was the most common adverse effect observed, with no reported instances of pancreatitis. This study corroborates the findings of previous research in this field. Evidence indicates that liraglutide is both efficacious and safe for treating obesity in the elderly population.