Adjunctive GLP-1 receptor agonists for cardiometabolic risk in antipsychotic-treated patients: A GRADE-assessed meta-analysis of randomized trials

Why clinicians should know about it

• Picked for Psychiatry and Mental Health (top studies of the week, 20 September 2026): GLP‑1 RA improves weight, BMI, glucose in antipsychotic patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Patients with schizophrenia spectrum or bipolar disorders have reduced life expectancy due to cardiometabolic risk. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for their effects on cardiometabolic outcomes. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane up to May 2026 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We pooled continuous outcomes as mean differences (MDs) and dichotomous outcomes as risk ratios (RRs) using random-effects models with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We included 8 RCTs with 664 patients. Compared with control, GLP-1 RA significantly reduced body weight (MD: -6.74, 95% CI: -10.05 to -3.43), body mass index (BMI; MD: -2.37 kg/m2, 95% CI: -3.52 to -1.23), waist circumference (MD: -4.27 cm, 95% CI: -6.65 to -1.89), HbA1c (MD: -0.61%, 95% CI: -1.06 to -0.17), and fasting glucose (MD: -6.82, 95% CI: -11.89 to -1.76). Subgroup analyses by GLP-1 RA type showed that semaglutide produced the greatest reductions in body weight (MD: -11.06 kg) and BMI (MD: -3.60 kg/m2), with significant between-subgroup differences (p < 0.05). Adverse events (AEs; p = 0.77), serious AEs (p = 0.09), and discontinuation due to AEs (p = 0.20) were similar between groups. However, GLP-1 RA was associated with a significantly higher risk of gastrointestinal (GI) AEs, including nausea, vomiting, and constipation (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: GLP-1RA, particularly semaglutide, was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in antipsychotic-related cardiometabolic outcomes without compromising psychiatric stability or treatment adherence. However, the significant increase in GI AEs necessitates careful clinical titration. Larger RCTs with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.