Incretin-Based Therapies for the Treatment of Binge Eating-A Systematic Review
Systematic review of 12 small studies: GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide consistently reduced binge eating, but larger RCTs are needed.
- 12 of 1,125 screened records met inclusion; studies covered liraglutide, semaglutide and dulaglutide, mostly with fewer than 75 participants
- Consistent reductions in binge eating: better Binge Eating Scale scores, fewer binges, and remission
- GLP-1 RAs were associated with weight loss of 3 to 24 kg; adverse effects were mainly gastrointestinal, with no new psychiatric safety concerns
- Evidence is limited by small samples, heterogeneous methods and short follow-up
Compound: Liraglutide Citation: White RT, Henriquez P, Innocent B, Bullers K, Elmaoued A. Pharmacotherapy. 2026;46(5):e70135. doi:10.1002/phar.70135. PROSPERO CRD42024615851.
Summary
Systematic review (PROSPERO-registered, following PRISMA 2020) of human studies testing GLP-1 receptor agonists or dual GLP-1/GIP agonists in people diagnosed with binge eating disorder or showing binge eating behaviors. The authors searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL through December 2024. Of 1,125 screened records, 12 studies met inclusion criteria. They tested liraglutide, semaglutide, and dulaglutide, mostly with fewer than 75 participants each.
Key Findings
- Despite differing designs and outcome measures, studies showed consistent reductions in binge eating: improved Binge Eating Scale scores, fewer binge episodes, and remission
- GLP-1 RAs were associated with significant weight loss (-3 to -24 kg), lower BMI, and better glycemic control in people with diabetes
- Adverse effects were mainly gastrointestinal, and no new psychiatric safety concerns were identified
- The authors suggest GLP-1 RAs may offer a dual benefit: reducing binge eating while also addressing comorbid obesity and its metabolic consequences
- The proposed rationale is these drugs’ effects on satiety, appetite regulation, and reward-driven eating
Limitations
- Small studies (generally fewer than 75 participants)
- Heterogeneous designs and outcome measures
- Short follow-up
- The authors call for larger RCTs using standardized diagnostic criteria and validated psychiatric measures
Relevance to Liraglutide
Liraglutide is one of three GLP-1 receptor agonists represented in the included studies. The review supports binge eating as an active research area for liraglutide, not an established treatment, and the abstract does not break out results by individual drug.
See Also
- Parent compound: Liraglutide
- Semaglutide