Modern medicine offers for diabetes management six glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists that have been approved by the FDA; three of which include obesity and overweight as a target. Still, little is published about the comparison of various GLP-1 receptor agonists. Researchers have now performed network meta-analysis of 76 randomized studies comparing licensed and investigational GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo or other GLP-1 receptor agonists. 39 therelated type 2 diabetics treated for at least 12 weeks has enroled in the studies.

The most effective approved drug for both indications was tirzepatide, mean changes of which in glycosylated hemoglobin HbA1c and fasting blood glucose were -2.1%, -56mg/dl, respectively and improvement in body weight loss -8.5kg over a placebo.

When looking over the two indications semaglutide was found to be the most effective with results of mean HbA1c change of -1.4%, -36mg/dl fasting plasma glucose and –3.1kg body weight reduction over the course of treatment.

Combination of semaglutide with amylin analog cagrilintide was the most effective and weight loss drug resulting in on average body weight of 14.0 kg lower than with placebo.

Gastrointestinal adverse effects were the most frequently documented side effects of most of the drugs that were available in the market.