In a nutshell
This study investigated the effects of liraglutide (Victoza), a glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogue, on appetite and energy intake in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Some background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a condition in which patients have high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) due to insulin resistance (the cells of the body fail to respond to the normal actions of the hormone insulin) or insufficient release of insulin from the pancreas.
Glucagon like peptide-1 is a hormone that increases both the release of and sensitivity to insulin while reducing glucagon (a hormone that raises blood glucose levels) secretion. Unlike other anti-diabetic treatments, drug analogues of glucagon like peptide-1 have been shown to reduce body weight while improving blood glucose control.
Liraglutide is an example of a glucagon like peptide-1 based agent used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This study investigated the mechanisms behind liraglutide-associated weight loss by assessing appetite sensations and energy intake in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods & findings
The study included 18 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who were assigned to treatment with liraglutide once a day (dose increased weekly from 0.6 to 1.8 mg) or placebo (a substance with no medical effect used as a control when testing drugs) for three weeks.
After three weeks of treatment, patients treated with liraglutide lost an average weight of 0.55 kg while the placebo group lost an average weight of 0.14 kg. The estimated mean energy intake at the ad libitum (self-regulated) lunch was 18% lower for liraglutide (1.8mg) compared to placebo.
After three weeks, the average minimum and postprandial (after a meal) hunger ratings in patients who received liraglutide (1.8mg) were significantly lower compared to those who received placebo. In addition, liraglutide (1.8mg) was associated with significantly lower prospective food consumption compared to placebo (23 mm vs. 36 mm). The average overall appetite score (fullness and satiety; a feeling of being full after eating food) with liraglutide (1.8mg) treatment was significantly higher compared to placebo, indicating reduced appetite.
The bottom line
In summary, this study concluded that liraglutide-induced weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus results from reduced appetite and energy intake.
The fine print
This study involved a small number of patients over a short time period. Further studies should be done in larger cohorts.
Published By :
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Date :
Oct 11, 2013
1.8 mg is a mega dose of this promising medication. A standard dose is 1.2mg and has substantially fewer side effects. It would be a shame for patients, or their doctors, to steer away from this highly effective treatment because of a study using more of the drug than they likely ever would.