Liraglutide, an Incretin Mimetic, Aids Weight Loss in Nondiabetic Patients

Incretin mimetics stimulate glucose-related insulin secretion, inhibit glucagon secretion, and suppress appetite in patients who have type 2 diabetes. Exenatide (Byetta) is the only incretin mimetic with FDA approval; liraglutide is another such drug that is approved in Europe. To assess the effect of liraglutide on weight in patients without diabetes, manufacturer-funded investigators in Europe randomized 564 obese, nondiabetic patients (body-mass index, 30–40 kg/m²) to receive once-daily injections of one of four doses of liraglutide, once-daily injections of placebo, or open-label oral orlistat (Xenical).

At 20 weeks, mean weight loss was significantly greater for patients taking any dose of liraglutide (4.8–7.2 kg) than for those taking …