GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Show Greater Weight Loss in Women, Market to Reach $112.62 Billion by 2032

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 41 articles representing 64 randomized clinical trials found that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists produce greater weight loss among women than men, but their efficacy is consistent across other important patient subpopulations. The analysis examined treatment effects by age, sex, race and ethnicity, baseline body mass index, and baseline hemoglobin A1c.

Among 6 trials involving 19,906 patients analyzed by sex, weight loss was greater among women (10.9%; 95% CI, 7.0%-14.8%) than men (6.8%; 95% CI, 4.6%-9.0%). The analysis found no significant heterogeneity of treatment effects by age (7 trials with 4,314 patients), race (9 trials, 25,229 patients), ethnicity (7 trials, 8,328 patients), baseline BMI (15 trials, 9,473 patients across 3 analyses), or baseline HbA1c (4 trials, 1,886 patients).

The systematic review searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception through July 26, 2024. Pairs of investigators independently screened titles and abstracts and reviewed eligible full-text articles reporting on randomized clinical trials that compared GLP-1 RAs to placebo or other medications. Of 7,705 unique records, 41 articles representing 64 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis.

Of the 48 RCTs that could be individually characterized, they had a mean study population of 1,181 participants. Fifty-one trials were parallel (98.1%) and 51 were multicenter (98.1%). Twenty-one trials evaluated semaglutide (43.8%) and 9 evaluated dulaglutide (18.8%). Heterogeneity of treatment effects was most commonly evaluated using baseline BMI (36 RCTs, 75.0%), HbA1c (24, 50.0%), and age (21, 43.8%), and less commonly, ethnicity (12, 25.0%), race (11, 22.9%), and sex (10, 20.8%).

The GLP-1 receptor agonist market advanced significantly between 2025 and 2026, with growth projected to continue at a double-digit compound annual growth rate. The market is estimated at $51.57 billion in 2026 and forecasted to reach $112.62 billion by 2032. This expansion reflects robust demand fueled by broader clinical applications, increased payer focus on outcome-based value, and heightened investment in manufacturing.

The market is being reshaped by therapeutic breakthroughs, evolving regulatory approaches across regions, and a greater emphasis on supply chain adaptability. Accelerating clinical indications are broadening the commercial appeal of GLP-1 receptor agonists beyond diabetes to new cardiometabolic and weight management settings, expanding their addressable opportunity.

Central to the market are key GLP-1 receptor agonists including dulaglutide, liraglutide, and semaglutide, each offering unique pharmacokinetic properties and approval breadth across several indications. The category encompasses long-acting agonists focused on maintenance as well as short-acting forms suited to targeted intervention. Parenteral injection remains the standard route of administration, while new oral formulations are emerging.

Utilization spans diabetes control, cardiovascular risk reduction, and weight management, each requiring tailored evidence and outcomes generation to satisfy payer and clinical requirements. Market access varies across hospital pharmacies, retail outlets, and online channels. Geographic coverage includes the Americas, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia-Pacific, with a focus on localized business models, region-specific regulatory frameworks, and supply chain requirements.

During the study period, the GLP-1RA available in Greece included dulaglutide and semaglutide. Over the past decade, GLP-1 receptor agonists have reshaped the management of type 2 diabetes. Initially introduced as glucose-lowering agents, GLP-1RA demonstrated robust cardiorenal benefits in multiple outcome trials, including reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events and improvements in kidney outcomes.

Recent international guidelines—including those from the American Diabetes Association, the European Society of Cardiology, and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes—recommend the use of GLP-1RA with proven cardiovascular benefit for all patients with type 2 diabetes and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, regardless of baseline glycated hemoglobin or background therapy. In parallel, sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are recommended for those with heart failure or chronic kidney disease.

Despite compelling evidence and strong guideline endorsement, the real-world uptake of GLP-1RA and SGLT2i remains suboptimal. Numerous registry and practice-based studies have demonstrated persistent underuse of these cardioprotective agents among eligible patients, even in those with clear indications such as established ASCVD or CKD. Barriers include therapeutic inertia, uncertainties surrounding newer agents, perceived cost or accessibility issues, and clinical habits that continue to prioritize glycemic control over cardiovascular risk reduction.