Liraglutide's impact on glucose homeostasis and intrapancreatic fat post-sleeve gastrectomy investigated in obese patients

Obesity remains a global health crisis, often leading to severe metabolic complications like type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective bariatric surgery, inducing significant weight loss and improving glucose homeostasis. However, some patients may experience suboptimal metabolic improvements or weight regain over time. Augmenting LSG's effects with pharmacological agents could offer enhanced, sustained benefits, particularly in reducing ectopic fat deposition in organs like the pancreas and liver, which contributes to metabolic dysfunction. This study addresses the gap in understanding combined therapeutic approaches.

This randomized, quadruple-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 clinical trial enrolled 16 obese patients who had previously undergone Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). Participants were randomized into two arms: one receiving Liraglutide in incremental doses up to 1.8 mg per day subcutaneously once daily, and the other receiving equivalent volumes of normal saline (placebo) subcutaneously once daily. The primary objectives were to compare the effects of Liraglutide versus placebo on excess weight loss, improvements in glucose homeostasis, and reductions in intrapancreatic and intrahepatic fat.