Effectiveness of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Weight Loss in Malaysian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.041.S1
- Author:
Noor Hafizah Ab Hamid
1
;
Mohammad Zulkarnain Bidin
2
;
Ooi Chuan Ng
3
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia
2. Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Universiti Putra Malaysia
3. Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia;Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Universiti Putra Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Humans;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2;
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists;
Weight Loss
- From:
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies
2026;41(S1):60-
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs)
induce clinically meaningful weight reduction in patients
with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but real-world data
in Southeast Asian populations are limited. This study
evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 RAs in achieving
clinically significant weight loss in Malaysian patients with
obesity and T2DM.
Methodology:A retrospective cohort study was conducted among adults
with T2DM and obesity attending the Endocrinology Clinic
at Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah between January
2023 and December 2024. Patients receiving GLP-1 RAs
(semaglutide or liraglutide) were compared with those on
standard care. Anthropometric outcomes were assessed
over 6–12 months, with weight loss thresholds of ≥3, ≥5,
and ≥10%. Between-group comparisons used Fisher’s exact
test, and odds ratios (OR) were calculated.
Results:Eighty-five patients were included (GLP-1, n = 47; control,
n = 38). The GLP-1 group achieved significantly higher rates
of any weight loss (70.0% vs 41.2%; OR = 3.33, p = 0.019)
and ≥3% weight loss (42.5% vs 14.7%; OR = 4.29, p = 0.011).
Number needed to treat was 3–4 patients. Proportions
achieving ≥5 and ≥10% weight loss were higher in the
GLP-1 group but did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusion:GLP-1 RA therapy significantly improves the likelihood
of clinically meaningful weight loss in Malaysian patients
with obesity and T2DM. These findings support the
integration of GLP-1 RAs into routine obesity management
strategies in Southeast Asia.
- Full text:2026080316025548790EP_A075.pdf
