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Systematic review · PMID 41947645

Incretin Therapies in Binge Eating Disorder: A Systematic Review — VialBase Research

12 studies met inclusion criteria evaluating GLP-1 RAs in BED

Last updated · 2026 · Multiple authors · Various (systematic review)
Key findings
  • 12 studies met inclusion criteria evaluating GLP-1 RAs in BED
  • Consistent reductions in binge eating behaviors (BES scores, binge frequency, remission rates)
  • Weight loss of 3-24 kg observed with GLP-1 RA treatment
  • Liraglutide, semaglutide, and dulaglutide all studied
  • Adverse effects primarily gastrointestinal; no new psychiatric safety concerns
  • Evidence limited by small sample sizes and short follow-up

PMID 41947645 — GLP-1 RAs in Binge Eating Disorder

Compound: Liraglutide Citation: Systematic review. PROSPERO CRD42024615851. PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

Summary

Systematic review of GLP-1 RAs and dual GLP-1/GIP agonists for binge eating disorder. Searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL. 12 of 1,125 screened records met inclusion criteria.

Key Findings

  • Consistent reductions in binge eating behaviors across all studies
  • Improvements in Binge Eating Scale scores, binge frequency reductions, and remission
  • Weight loss: 3-24 kg range
  • GI adverse effects common (nausea, vomiting); no new psychiatric safety signals
  • Mechanism: GLP-1R activation in hypothalamus and mesolimbic reward circuits reduces food reward-seeking
  • Dual benefit: treats binge eating AND addresses comorbid obesity

Limitations

  • Small sample sizes (generally < 75 participants per study)
  • Heterogeneous methods and outcome measures
  • Short follow-up durations
  • Need for larger RCTs

Relevance to Liraglutide

Supports an emerging off-label application for liraglutide beyond diabetes and obesity — binge eating disorder treatment leveraging appetite/reward pathway modulation.

PubMed

See Also

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