GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), widely recognized for their role in metabolic disorders, may offer added support for smokers attempting to quit, according to findings presented at the 2025 American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting. Although the therapies did not significantly increase smoking abstinence rates, their role in curbing post-cessation weight gain could be a game-changer in clinical strategies targeting smoking cessation.
This insight emerged from a systematic review and meta-analysis that examined the effects of GLP-1 RAs on smoking-related outcomes. Researchers searched PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases through October 2024, identifying three randomized controlled trials involving 410 smokers treated with GLP-1 RAs compared to control groups.
The analysis revealed a significant reduction in weight gain among participants who used GLP-1 RAs after quitting smoking. On average, users lost weight or gained less than their counterparts, with a mean difference of –2.59 kg (95% CI: –3.70 to –1.48; p < .00001). In contrast, no statistically significant difference in smoking abstinence was found between groups (odds ratio 1.22; 95% CI: 0.72–2.1). While the medication may not directly impact the likelihood of quitting, its potential to reduce a major deterrent—post-cessation weight gain—offers an indirect yet meaningful advantage. With weight gain frequently cited by patients as a reason to delay or avoid quitting, GLP-1 RAs could represent a supportive adjunctive tool in comprehensive cessation plans. These findings invite further exploration into the broader behavioral and metabolic applications of GLP-1 RAs beyond diabetes and obesity, especially in psychiatric and preventive care settings. Reference: Xavier D et al. The impact of GLP-1 agonists on smoking cessation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting, May 17-21, 2025.
