Effects of Liraglutide on Energy Intake in Adolescents With Persistent Obesity After Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Among adolescents with obesity after vertical sleeve gastrectomy, four months of liraglutide was associated with a significant decrease in total energy intake and food mass, with no change in the proportion of calories from macronutrients. Liraglutide exposure and glucose tolerance measures did not correlate with the reduction in eating.

Journal article — Secondary analysis of pilot trial. Population: Adolescents with persistent obesity ≥1 year after vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Sample size: 27 adolescents. Follow-up: 4 months. Interventions: Liraglutide.

At baseline, the 27 participants (18.1 ± 2.0 years; BMI 40.4 ± 7.3 kg/m2) completed buffet meals. Mean energy intake decreased by 161.7 ± 264.3 kcal (p = 0.04) and food mass by 72.5 ± 123.4 g (p = 0.02). Reductions in absolute macronutrient intake were proportional, leaving macronutrient distribution unchanged. Liraglutide plasma AUC (available in 17 participants) and OGTT outcomes showed no significant association with the change in energy intake or body weight.

For researchers studying liraglutide, this paper provides pilot data on how the drug affects actual food consumption in adolescents after bariatric surgery — a group with little evidence. It does not establish efficacy, dose-response, or a mechanism linking exposure or glycaemic response to reduced intake.

Key findings

• Mean energy intake decreased by 161.7 ± 264.3 kcal (p = 0.04) during 4 months of liraglutide.
• Mean food mass decreased by 72.5 ± 123.4 g (p = 0.02).
• Absolute macronutrient intake fell proportionally, with no change in macronutrient distribution.
• Neither liraglutide plasma AUC (n = 17) nor OGTT outcomes were significantly associated with energy intake changes or body weight changes.

Limitations

• No control arm (uncontrolled pilot secondary analysis).
• Small sample size, which may limit power to detect associations.
• Liraglutide plasma AUC was measured in only a subset of participants (n = 17).
• Secondary analysis not designed to test the primary effect of liraglutide.

The record

• Journal: Pediatric obesity 21(8): e70140
• Published: 2026-08-01
• PMID: 42538646 — DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.70140
• MeSH terms: Humans, Weight Loss, Glucose Tolerance Test, Body Mass Index, Treatment Outcome, Gastrectomy, Pilot Projects, Energy Intake, Adolescent, Female, Male, Pediatric Obesity, Liraglutide
• Funding: NIH HHS; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; NIDDK NIH HHS; NIDDK NIH HHS; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• Author countries: USA

Peptide profiles: Liraglutide.

All indexed evidence: Liraglutide trials & papers.

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