Clinical assessment of liraglutide use in prediabetic and obese schizophrenic patients: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background and Hypothesis Schizophrenic patients are at a higher risk of developing prediabetes and obesity, which may increase their risk of cardiovascular and other diseases. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is effective in treating prediabetes and obesity in the general population. However, its efficacy and safety in schizophrenic patients remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of liraglutide in managing prediabetes and obesity among schizophrenic patients. Study Design A systematic PRISMA-based literature search was conducted in three electronic databases to identify eligible studies. Different treatment outcomes were extracted from the study and analyzed using a random-effects model to calculate the pooled effect size at 95% confidence interval. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses have been performed to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity. Study Results Five studies were included in the meta-analysis after the screening process. The pooled mean difference in body weight between the liraglutide group and the placebo group was − 4.09 kg (p = 0.0008), indicating a significant reduction in body weight with liraglutide. Similarly, the overall mean difference in BMI was − 0.92 (p < 0.00001), and the overall mean difference in waist circumference was − 3.65 cm (p = 0.02), both indicating significant reductions of weight under liraglutide treatment. Liraglutide also significantly reduced fasting glucose (overall mean difference of -9.23; p < 0.00001) and total cholesterol (overall mean difference of -19.00; p = 0.0003). Conclusions Liraglutide is effective in reducing body weight, BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Since liraglutide might have a protective effect on the metabolic syndrome in schizophrenic patients, the add-on administration of liraglutide could improve the quality of life of these patients in the long term.