The takeaway
In a small inpatient cohort, estimated average weight fell 5.76% with a 50 mg target dose (nine participants) versus 3.52% with its placebo group (three participants) at 28 days. This does not establish lasting weight-loss efficacy.
What researchers tested
The four-week diabetes study randomized 52 adults. Participants stayed at the study site and fasted at least 14 hours daily; even placebo participants lost weight. Safety was the main question, and the study was too small for firm weight-loss conclusions.
Type 2 diabetes; controlled meals and at least 14 hours fasting daily
Randomized
52 adults
Received treatment
51 adults
Completed study
48 adults
Original visual based on the study.
| Group or measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Randomized | 52 adults |
| Received treatment | 51 adults |
| Completed study | 48 adults |
The trade-offs
Digestive symptoms were common. Two active-treatment participants stopped after heart-rhythm or liver-test changes. No serious adverse events or deaths were reported during this short study.
What it means
These findings supported longer trials, not conclusions about lasting weight loss or superiority. The paper’s animal experiments are separate from its human findings.
Many authors were Eccogene or AstraZeneca employees and equity holders. AstraZeneca funded medical-writing support.
Sources
Haggag and colleagues, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2025