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Updated: Feb 22, 2026

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Published on: June 11, 2012
Efficacy and Safety of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Following Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and
Abdur Rafay Bilal1, Muhammad Ibrahim1, S M Washaqul Arfin1
1Department of Medicine, Ziauddin Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan.
Background:
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) have demonstrated promising effects in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic markers. However, their effectiveness post-bariatric surgery remains uncertain.
Methods:
PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus were queried through March 2025 for randomised controlled trials comparing GLP-1RA to placebo in post-bariatric surgery patients. Outcomes included weight loss, BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, HbA1c, and adverse events. Random-effects models were used to calculate standardised mean differences (SMDs), weighted mean differences (WMDs), and risk ratios (RRs).
Results:
Six trials (n = 401) were included. GLP-1RA significantly reduced weight (SMD: -5.96 kg [95% CI: -9.40, -2.53]; p = 0.0007), BMI (WMD: -3.08 kg/m2 [95% CI: -4.16, -2.00]; p < 0.00001), total cholesterol (WMD: -0.30 mmol/L / -11.60 mg/dL [95% CI: -0.50, -0.09 / -19.34, -3.48]; p = 0.005), and HbA1c (WMD: -0.39% [95% CI: -0.62, -0.17]; p = 0.0007). Total adverse events (RR: 1.49 [95% CI: 1.14, 1.94]; p = 0.003) and nausea (RR: 2.23 [95% CI: 1.21, 4.09]; p = 0.010) were more common with GLP-1RA compared to placebo. No significant changes were found in blood pressure, triglycerides, or fasting blood glucose.
Conclusions:
GLP-1RAs significantly reduce weight, BMI, HbA1c, and total cholesterol in patients following bariatric surgery. These findings highlight the potential of GLP-1RA therapy post-bariatric surgery. Future research is warranted to assess the long-term effects of GLP-1RA on the post-operative metabolic profile.
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