APA

APA 2025: GLP-1 therapies may help address a key barrier to quitting smoking

May 22, 2025

GLP-1 RAs may offer a valuable adjunctive strategy for patients concerned about weight gain during smoking cessation – a common barrier to quitting. While they don't appear to enhance abstinence directly, GLP-1 RAs' metabolic benefits could support long-term cessation efforts, according to results presented at the American Psychiatric Association annual meeting.

Study details: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of GLP-1 RAs on smoking cessation outcomes. Researchers screened PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE through October 2024, identifying three randomized controlled trials (n=410) involving smokers treated with GLP-1 RAs vs. controls. Primary outcomes included smoking abstinence and post-cessation weight gain. Two studies confirmed abstinence biochemically; all relied on self-report.

Results: GLP-1 RA use was associated with a significant reduction in post-cessation weight gain (mean difference: –2.59 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI] –3.70 to –1.48; p < .00001). However, no significant difference in abstinence rates was observed compared with controls (odds ratio 1.22; 95% CI: 0.72–2.1). GLP-1 RA users tended to lose weight, while controls gained weight.

Source:

Xavier, D., et al. (2025, May). The impact of GLP-1 agonists on smoking cessation: A systematic review and meta-analysis [Poster presentation]. American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting, New York, NY.