Liraglutide 3.0 mg (Saxenda©) for Weight Loss and Remission of Pre-Diabetes. Real-World Clinical Evaluation of Effectiveness among Patients Awaiting Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Objective The effectiveness of liraglutide 3.0 mg (Saxenda) therapy to induce weight loss among obese patients prior to bariatric surgery remains uncertain. Methods Clinical data was retrospectively obtained from patients with prediabetes (HbA1c 42-47 mmol/mol) and selected patients on the waiting list for bariatric surgery at the Royal Derby Hospital. Clinical data was collected retrospectively at 6, 12, 26 and 52 week intervals. The outcomes included mean weight change, proportion of patients achieving ≥ 5% and ≥ 10% weight loss and achieving HbA1c reduction to normal range values. Results Fifty patients (mean age of 46.2 ± 10.5 years; 76% female and 94% had Class III obesity) who completed 52 and/or 26 weeks of treatment were included. Liraglutide 3.0 mg produced a consistent and statistically significant reduction in weight (kg), BMI (kg/m2) and HbA1c (mmol/mol) across all four time intervals. Average ± SD reduction for weight, BMI and HbA1c respectively at 26 weeks were: -10.9 ± 9.1 (P < 0.01), -3.67 ± 3.5 (P < 0.01), -4.7 IQR 4.95 (P < 0.001), and at 52 weeks were: -14 ± 9.2 kg (P < 0.001), -4.64 ± 4.0 (P < 0.001 and -5.5 IQR 4 (P = 0.009). 85.7% and 33.3% of patients achieved ≥ 5% and 10% weight loss target respectively at 52 weeks. 92.3% and 72.2% achieved remission of pre-diabetes by 6 and 12 months respectively. Liraglutide 3.0 mg was well-tolerated with only 10% discontinuing medication due to tolerability issues. Conclusion Liraglutide 3.0 mg, 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.