Investigating the Effects of GLP-1 Agonist (Liraglutide) Treatment on Weight Loss and Metabolic Markers in Obese Kidney Transplant Recipients

Introduction. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist liraglutide in obese kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), with a specific focus on its impact on weight loss, metabolic markers, and tacrolimus levels.Methods. In a prospective, single-arm study, 33 stable KTRs with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m² received liraglutide for six months. Anthropometric parameters (weight, BMI), blood pressure, glycemic indices [fasting blood sugar (FBS), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)], lipid profile, renal function markers, and tacrolimus trough levels were measured at baseline, two months, and six months.Data were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE). Results. Treatment resulted in statistically significant reductions in weight, BMI (-7.91 ± 3.81%), waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures (P < .05). Significant improvements were also observed in FBS, HbA1c (-5.92 ± 4.81%), lipid profile, serum creatinine, and uric acid. A slight but significant decrease in tacrolimus trough levels occurred (-4.91 ± 9.31%, P = .006), without any episodes of acute rejection. Adverse events were primarilymild and gastrointestinal (nausea 15.15%).Conclusion. Liraglutide may be an effective and relatively safe therapeutic option for inducing weight loss and improving metabolic and hemodynamic parameters in obese KTRs. However, due to the lack of a control group and limited sample size, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and cannot establish causality. Vigilant monitoring of tacrolimus levels remains advisable. Larger, controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.