The Role of the Dietitian in Weight Management of Adults With Obesity Without Diabetes Using Glucagon Like Peptide-1 Agonist Receptors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Clinical Trials

The aims are (1) to identify and interpret the role of registered dietitian in clinical trials on the efficacy of glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in adult individuals with obesity but without diabetes, and (2) to quantify the effect of GLP-1 agonists on body weight loss in adult individuals with obesity but without diabetes. An electronic search using PubMed and Scopus was implemented to locate eligible randomised clinical trials. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted for 13 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) steps were evaluated based on the registered dietitian (RD) interventions and procedures that are included in six studies. Data analysis was carried out using specialised software. The meta-analysis results showed pooled mean differences in weight change of −5.4 kg (95% CI: −5.8, −5.0), in waist circumference change of −5.5 cm (95% CI: −7.7, −3.25), and in weight loss as a percentage from baseline of −7.75% (95% CI: −11.1, −4.3). Quality assessment and bias of each study have been reported. Nutrition practice guidelines and MNT are also listed to include screening, assessment, intervention, and monitoring. Based on current available evidence, using GLP-1 agonists for weight loss shows their effectiveness to reduce weight and waist circumference. However, further incorporation of RD in trials will help in understanding the sole effect of MNT in treating obesity using GLP-1 agonists.