Dulaglutide may prevent weight gain after quitting smoking especially among women: BMJ

This study found no significant sex differences in absolute or relative weight change for those on dulaglutide or placebo treatments. However, a big contrast emerged regarding substantial weight gain that was defined as over a 6% increase. In the placebo group, women (24%) experienced almost five times more substantial weight gain than men (5%).

The outcome with dulaglutide intervention showed its effectiveness in reducing post-cessation weight gain in both genders. The female participants were notably less likely to experience substantial weight gain on dulaglutide (1%) when compared to the placebo (24%). Although the dulaglutide effect was less pronounced in men it still demonstrated effectiveness in preventing substantial weight gain.

This study indicates that dulaglutide could be a potential agent in assisting women and men in overcoming the hurdle of weight gain which is associated with quitting smoking. As smoking-related diseases disproportionately affect women, this intervention could mark an important stride towards addressing sex-specific challenges in smoking cessation that could possibly help to tailored treatments for a healthier, smoke-free future.

Reference:

Baur, F., Atila, C., Lengsfeld, S., Burkard, T., Meienberg, A., Bathelt, C., Christ-Crain, M., & Winzeler, B. (2023). Gender differences in weight gain during attempted and successful smoking cessation on dulaglutide treatment: a predefined secondary analysis of a randomised trial. In BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health (p. e000781). BMJ. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000781