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Incretin-Based Dual and Triple Agonists in Overweight or Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Chan ZH, Omar AS, Gill K, et al. Cardiology in review. 2026.

Editor's note

This systematic review and meta-analysis pools ten randomized controlled trials with over three thousand participants, giving it strong evidentiary weight. The pooled incretin polyagonists, including tirzepatide and retatrutide, were associated with significant reductions in weight, waist circumference, HbA1c, and fasting glucose, but higher rates of gastrointestinal and hypoglycemic events. Serious adverse events did not differ significantly from placebo.

Plain-language abstract

A meta-analysis of randomized trials found incretin dual and triple agonists including tirzepatide and retatrutide were associated with significant weight loss and better metabolic markers, alongside more gastrointestinal side effects.