GLP‐1 analogs and regional adiposity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

SummaryBackgroundGlucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) analogs regulate body weight and liver steatosis. Different body adipose tissue (AT) depots exhibit biological variability. Accordingly, GLP‐1 analog effects on AT distribution are unclear.ObjectivesTo investigate GLP1‐analog effects on adiposity distribution.Search methodsPubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were screened for eligible randomized human trials. Pre‐defined endpoints included visceral AT (VAT), subcutaneous AT (SAT), total AT (TAT), epicardial AT (EAT), liver AT (LAT), and waist‐to‐hip ratio (W:H). Search was conducted until May 17, 2022.Data collection and analysisData extraction and bias assessment were performed by two independent investigators. Treatment effects were estimated using random effects models. Analyses were performed on Review Manager v5.3.Main resultsOut of the 367 screened studies, 45 were included in the systematic review and 35 were used in the meta‐analysis. GLP‐1 analogs reduced VAT, SAT, TAT, LAT, and EAT, with non‐significant effects on W:H. Overall bias risk was low.ConclusionsGLP‐1 analog treatment reduces TAT, affecting most studied AT depots, including the pathogenic VAT, EAT, and LAT. GLP‐1 analogs may have significant roles in combating metabolic, obesity‐associated diseases via reductions of key AT depot volumes.