Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of GLP‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs), dual agonists (GLP‐1RAs/GIP or GCGR), and retatrutide (GLP‐1/GIP/glucagon) for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity.
Methods:
We conducted a systematic review and Bayesian network meta‐analysis (NMA) of 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 29,506 adults (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m
2
), assessing liraglutide, semaglutide, survodutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide, and placebo. Outcomes included mean weight loss, achievement of ≥ 5%, ≥ 10%, and ≥ 15% weight loss, waist circumference (WC), BMI, and adverse events (AEs) at ≥ 36 weeks. Subgroup and meta‐regression analyses evaluated the impact of diabetes status, sex, age, and BMI.
Results:Retatrutide and dual agonists achieved equivalent mean weight loss (−11.0 kg), surpassing GLP‐1RAs (−9.0 kg), with retatrutide excelling at achieving ≥ 15% weight loss (OR 54.6). Dual agonists and GLP‐1RAs followed (OR 16.4 and 9.0, respectively). Retatrutide had the highest AE risk. Meta‐regression showed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) reduced weight loss by 4.338 kg for GLP‐1RAs and 5.016 kg for dual agonists, with enhanced outcomes in female‐dominant or high‐BMI cohorts.
Conclusions:
Retatrutide offers superior weight loss efficacy but with a higher AE risk. Dual agonists provide a favorable efficacy–safety balance. Personalized treatment selection based on patient characteristics is recommended.
image