Comparative Efficacy of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (Esg) Versus Liraglutide in Weight Loss and Remission Of Obesity-Related Comorbidities: Twelve Months Follow-Up Results.

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) has been shown to be effective for inducing weight loss. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, has been successfully used for weight loss and remission of comorbidities in patients with obesity. So far, there are no clinical studies comparing short-term outcomes in patients treated with ESG or Liraglutide. The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy and safety of ESG versus Liraglutide in patients with obesity over a 12 months follow-up period.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized controlled, monocentric study was performed. A total of 43 patients with class I and II obesity were included in the study. Twenty-three patients underwent ESG, and 20 patients were treated with Liraglutide. All participants received standardized follow-up protocols with assessments by both surgeon and nutritionist in the bariatric ambulatory setting. Weight loss outcomes, including the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), total weight loss (%TWL), and resolution of obesity-related comorbidities were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention.

RESULTS

After 3 and 6 months, %EWL and %TWL were greater in the ESG group (P = 0.001). However, at 12 months, these differences were no longer statistically significant, suggesting that the ESG group was experiencing some weight regain, while the Liraglutide group had a slower but more consistent weight loss. Regarding the resolution of comorbidities, there were no statistically significant differences at 3, 6 and 12 months between the two groups. None of the patients had major complications or significant side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Both ESG and Liraglutide guarantee weight loss and remission of comorbidities in class I and II obesity patients. However, ESG induces a more rapid weight loss in the first six months, after which two patients seem experience weight regain. Liraglutide provides a slower weight loss in terms of %EWL and %TWL but patients continue losing weight also after six months. Larger samples with a longer follow-up are needed to confirm our results.