Insulin that causes weight loss
Searched over 200M research papers
Summary
10 papers analyzed
Some studies suggest that certain insulin treatments like Liraglutide and GLP1-RA can promote weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes, while other studies indicate that reducing insulin levels or using intranasal insulin can also affect weight and body fat differently based on sex.
Not a yes or no question
To use the Consensus Meter, try asking a simple yes or no question
Research summarized with Copilot
Beta20 papers analyzed
Insulin and Weight Loss: Insights from Recent Research
Liraglutide and Weight Loss in Type 2 Diabetes
Liraglutide's Efficacy in Weight Management
Liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has shown significant promise in promoting weight loss among individuals with type 2 diabetes who are also treated with basal insulin. In a 56-week randomized controlled trial, participants receiving liraglutide 3.0 mg experienced a mean weight reduction of 5.8%, compared to just 1.5% in the placebo group. Additionally, 51.8% of those on liraglutide achieved at least 5% weight loss, a stark contrast to the 24.0% in the placebo group. This study underscores liraglutide's potential as an effective adjunct therapy for weight management in diabetic patients.
Mechanisms Beyond Weight Loss
Interestingly, liraglutide's benefits extend beyond mere weight reduction. It also significantly improves glycemic control, as evidenced by reductions in HbA1c and daytime glucose levels, while simultaneously reducing the need for insulin. These findings highlight liraglutide's dual role in managing both weight and blood sugar levels, making it a valuable tool in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Intranasal Insulin and Gender Differences
Differential Effects in Men and Women
Intranasal insulin administration has been found to reduce body fat in men but not in women. In an 8-week study, men treated with intranasal insulin lost an average of 1.28 kg in body weight and 1.38 kg in body fat, along with a significant reduction in waist circumference and plasma leptin levels. Conversely, women did not experience fat loss and instead gained weight due to increased extracellular water. This gender-specific response suggests that intranasal insulin may be more effective for weight loss in men.
Reducing Insulin Levels to Combat Obesity
Genetic and Pharmacological Approaches
Research indicates that reducing circulating insulin levels can prevent weight gain and even induce weight loss. Studies involving genetic models that limit hyperinsulinemia have shown that modest reductions in insulin can lead to significant weight loss without impairing glucose homeostasis . These findings suggest that targeting insulin levels could be a viable strategy for managing obesity.
Weight Loss-Independent Effects of Liraglutide
Insulin Sensitivity Improvements
Liraglutide has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity independently of weight loss. In a study involving individuals with obesity and pre-diabetes, liraglutide improved insulin sensitivity and reduced fasting glucose levels even before significant weight loss occurred. This indicates that liraglutide's metabolic benefits are not solely due to its weight-reducing effects.
Conclusion
The research highlights several promising avenues for using insulin and related therapies to promote weight loss and improve metabolic health. Liraglutide stands out for its dual benefits in weight reduction and glycemic control, while intranasal insulin shows potential for gender-specific weight loss. Additionally, strategies to reduce circulating insulin levels offer a novel approach to combating obesity. These findings collectively underscore the importance of personalized and targeted treatments in managing weight and metabolic disorders.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
