The takeaway
A small liraglutide study found room to improve food quality across every group. Eating less and eating well are different questions.
What researchers looked at
This secondary analysis examined 70 adults with obesity and prediabetes; one dietary record was excluded as implausible. Over 14 weeks, participants received liraglutide, dietitian-supported calorie reduction, or sitagliptin, a weight-neutral diabetes medicine. The medication groups did not receive dietitian support.
Researchers asked about food eaten during one day before and one day after treatment.
Secondary analysis; 69 dietary records analyzed
Liraglutide
1.8 mg
Dietitian support
Calorie reduction
Sitagliptin
Active medicine comparator
Original visual based on the study.
| Group or measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Liraglutide | 1.8 mg |
| Dietitian support | Calorie reduction |
| Sitagliptin | Active medicine comparator |
What they found
Changes in overall diet-quality scores and micronutrient intake did not differ significantly between groups. The dietitian-supported group reduced added sugar more than the liraglutide group after adjustment for starting intake.
What this means for you
The findings suggest nutrition support deserves attention alongside medication. They do not show that liraglutide causes vitamin deficiencies—or that a particular supplement fixes them.
The study was small, exploratory and used one-day food reports. It tested liraglutide at 1.8 mg, not semaglutide or tirzepatide, and cannot establish long-term effects.
Who supported the research?
The parent trial reported American Heart Association, NIH and Vanderbilt support. Novo Nordisk supplied liraglutide and placebo pens.
Sources
Richardson and colleagues, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2025