Significant Weight Loss Observed in Nondiabetic Obese Women Treated with Exenatide

Although physicians have noted that some diabetic patients treated with GLP-1 agonists and analogues slowly lose weight, published research data about the weight-losing effect of these medications in patients with and without diabetes are limited.

The October 10 presentation, by Jody Dushay, MD, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, showed the results of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 41 obese women without diabetes at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts. The 35-week crossover trial included a 3-week washout between control (no drug) and drug (GLP-1) treatments.

The effect of twice-daily exenatide on weight loss was significant after just 4 weeks, Dr. Dushay pointed out.

At the end of the study, weight loss >5% characterized 30% of the GLP-1 group and 12% of the control group. Weight loss <=5% occurred in 39% of the GLP-1 group and 21% of the control group. In 31% of the GLP-1 group and 67% of the control group, weight loss was less than 0%. The researchers classified the patients as high responders (more than 5%), moderate responders (<=5% or less), and nonresponders (<0%).

According to Dr. Dushay, the women's responses to treatment were not connected to their baseline weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, or resting energy expenditure.

The resting energy expenditure of women who lost 25% or more of their body weight did not significantly decrease when they were compared with moderate responders and non-responders.

The age of the women in the study was 48 +- 10 years. At baseline, their weight was 89 +- 14 kg and BMI was 33 +- 4 kg/m². Women in both the treatment and control groups visited the clinic every 2 weeks, and their physical activity and sleep patterns were monitored via devices worn for 2 weeks in each treatment period.

Reports of nausea, hunger, and satiety were similar among all participants, from non-responders to high responders.

Presented at Obesity 2010: 28th Annual Scientific Meeting of The Obesity Society. [Presentation title: Weight Loss With Exenatide Treatment in Obesity Without Diabetes. Abstract 130-LB-P]