GLP-1 receptor agonists linked to weight loss in peritoneal dialysis patients

A retrospective cohort study presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week suggests that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) may provide weight loss benefits for patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD).

The study followed 5,897 adults with type 2 diabetes who initiated PD between April 2021 and September 2024. Findings indicated that greater cumulative exposure to GLP-1 RAs was associated with progressive weight reduction and a lower burden of hospitalization.

Dr. Steven M. Brunelli, medical director of health analytics and insights at DaVita Clinical Research, noted that dialysis patients are often excluded from landmark clinical trials, making such data vital for understanding how these treatments affect this specific population. Researchers emphasized that prospective studies are required to confirm long-term effects.