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Effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on heart rate in non-diabetic individuals with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and pairwise and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Eur J Med Res · 2026

Last updated 2026-05-28

A review of 12 studies found that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) increased heart rate in people with overweight or obesity who did not have diabetes. The increase varied by drug and dose, with orforglipron at 36 mg showing the largest rise (about 9 beats per minute) and tirzepatide at 5 mg showing the smallest (about 0.5 beats per minute).

AI summary of the abstract below.

JournalEur J Med Res, 2026
Citations0
Molecules
Conditions studied Obesity, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To explore the association of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on heart rate (HR) in overweight or obese patients without diabetes. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted. Mean differences (MDs) were calculated as effect estimates for HR. Pairwise and network meta-analysis were conducted. RESULTS: Twelve articles were included. Pairwise meta-analysis showed significant association of increase compared with placebo in liraglutide [MD 2.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.86, 2.89], semaglutide (MD = 3.35; 95% CI 1.69, 5.01), orforglipron (MD = 7.30; 95% CI 5.48, 9.12), oral semaglutide (MD = 4.50; 95% CI 3.11, 5.89), tirzepatide (MD = 2.05; 95% CI 0.96, 3.13), retatrutide (MD = 3.46; 95% CI 1.74, 5.18), and total GLP-1RAs (MD = 3.47; 95% CI 2.65, 4.29). Network meta-analysis revealed that orforglipron 36 mg was associated with the most pronounced increase (MD = 9.29; 95% CI 4.45, 13.86), whereas tirzepatide 5 mg was associated with the least increase (MD = 0.52; 95% CI - 2.71, 3.78). CONCLUSIONS: GLP-1RAs were associated with the increasing of HR in patients with overweight or obesity. Orforglipron 36 mg was associated with the most pronounced increase, and tirzepatide 5 mg the least.

Verbatim abstract via PubMed 41582189 ↗