Safety and Efficacy of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Use in Elderly People With Obesity-A Meta-Analysis.
Inês Rego de Figueiredo, Filipa Sofia Simas, Angela Ghiletchi et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis compared GLP-1 receptor agonist safety and efficacy in adults aged 65 years or older with obesity versus younger adults, including people with or without type 2 diabetes. Five studies involving 1229 participants were included. Serious adverse events did not differ significantly between age groups (pooled LOR: 0.06, p = 0.9), and metabolic and weight-control efficacy was comparable. Older adults had higher reported incidences of constipation and hypoglycemia; nausea showed a trend toward lower frequency.
Key findings
- Serious adverse events did not differ significantly between older and younger adults (pooled LOR: 0.06, p = 0.9).
- Older adults had higher incidences of constipation (LOR: 0.72, p = 0.02) and hypoglycemia (LOR: 0.97, p < 0.001).
- Nausea tended to be less frequent in older adults (LOR: -0.44, p = 0.06).
- Weight-control and metabolic efficacy were comparable across age groups; one study suggested liraglutide reduced fat mass without worsening sarcopenia.
Why it matters
Older adults with obesity may achieve weight and glycemic benefits from GLP-1 receptor agonists similar to those seen in younger adults. The reported differences in constipation and hypoglycemia also highlight outcomes relevant to safety assessment in this population. Evidence on body composition and sarcopenia is limited to one study, so that finding warrants cautious interpretation.
What to keep in mind
Only five studies with 1229 participants were included, and the evidence combined randomized and observational studies. The finding on fat mass and sarcopenia came from one study.