Research Mentor Name
Paul Naylor
Research Mentor Email Address
pnaylor@med.wayne.edu
Institution / Department
Wayne State University School of Medicine
Document Type
Research Abstract
Research Type
clinicalresearch
Level of Research
no
Abstract
Introduction: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) can contribute to adverse liver-related outcomes and cardiac mediated events. Recognizing the benefits of weight loss in patients with MASLD, this study investigates the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in promoting weight reduction in a MASLD cohort.
Methods: We identified 52 individuals with imaging confirmed liver steatosis. Weight loss (pounds) was calculated by comparing weights before and during GLP-1 therapy. Efficacy was evaluated by comparing GLP-1 users with non-users within a similar timeframe.
Result: Of the 52 patients with a post-2020 follow-up, 33% were prescribed GLP-1 agonists. The majority were AA patients (33/52, 63%), with no racial disparities in GLP-1 agonist prescription rates. GLP-1 agonist users experienced significant and consistent weight loss (average of 16.8 lbs, p<0.004) compared to non-users, who had minimal weight change (0.4 lbs, p=0.92). Women were more likely to be prescribed GLP-1 agonists than men (41% vs. 15%, p=0.04), and patients with diabetes were also more likely to receive GLP-1 therapy than those without diabetes (41% vs. 18%). Statistically significant weight loss was observed in AA individuals, females, and patients with diabetes treated with GLP-1 agonists compared to their non-GLP-1 counterparts.
Conclusions: GLP-1 agonist therapy was associated with an average weight loss of 16 pounds in MASLD patients, compared to less than 1 pound in non-users. These findings underscore the potential of GLP-1 agonist therapy in promoting weight reduction in both AA and non-AA MASLD patients, particularly when administered before the progression to advanced liver disease.
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
Recommended Citation
Smadi, Reema; Mello, Michael; Saini, Astha; Naylor, Paul; and Mutchnick, Milton, "MASLD/MASH Pharmacologic Therapeutic Efficacy in a Predominately African American Medical Center Population" (2025). Medical Student Research Symposium. 451.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/som_srs/451
Comments
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Paul Naylor for his invaluable guidance and expertise on this project, as well as his steadfast mentorship throughout my medical school research journey. I am also deeply thankful to Dr. Milton Mutchnick and Dr. Astha Saini for their support and valuable insights. Lastly, I extend my appreciation to my medical student peer, Michael Mello, for his collaboration and contributions.