The effect of subcutaneous Lixisenatide on weight loss in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic review and Meta-Analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background The impacts of subcutaneous Lixisenatide on body weight in patients with type 2 DM, remain inadequately understood; consequently, this systematic review and meta-regression analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to evaluate the influence of subcutaneous Lixisenatide administration on BW and BMI values in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted across four databases, spanning from their inception to February 2023. We computed effect sizes employing the random-effects model and reported results in terms of weighted mean differences (WMD) along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results 23 articles with 26 RCT arms were included in the meta-analysis. The combined findings from a random-effects model demonstrated a significant reduction in body weight (WMD: −0.97 kg, 95 % CI: −1.10, −0.83, p < 0.001) and BMI (WMD: −0.48 kg/m2, 95 % CI: −0.67, −0.29, P < 0.001) after subcutaneous administration of Lixisenatide. Furthermore, a more pronounced reduction in body weight was discovered in RCTs lasting less than 24 weeks (WMD: −1.56 kg, 95 % CI: −2.91, −0.20, p < 0.001), employing a daily dosage of subcutaneous Lixisenatide lower than 19 µg per day (WMD: −1.94 kg, 95 % CI: −2.54, −1.34, p < 0.001) and with a mean participant age of 60 years or more (WMD: −1.86 kg, 95 % CI: −3.16, −0.57, p = 0.005). Conclusions Lixisenatide was found to significantly decrease BW and BMI in patients with type 2 DM and could be considered as a therapeutic option for those suffering from weight gain caused by other anti-diabetic agents. However, while prescribing Lixisenatide, careful consideration of patient-specific factors is recommended.