AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Obesity and metabolic syndrome are well-known to be 
associated with multiple chronic diseases. Currently, high-dose liraglutide has 
been used for weight control in non-diabetic patients. Considering 
incretin-based therapy is more effective in Asian populations, the effect of 
low-dose liraglutide in weight control among these non-diabetic groups has not 
been well evaluated. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose 
liraglutide in weight control among Taiwan patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2017 to December 2018, 46 non-diabetic patients 
with metabolic syndrome were included. They had received low-dose liraglutide at 
0.6 or 1.2 mg per day for weight reduction for 12 weeks. After then, changes in 
bodyweight, waist and metabolic factors were examined. Overt bodyweight 
reduction was defined as a decrease of >5% within 12 weeks.
RESULTS: With 12 weeks of medication use, both groups showed statistical weight 
reduction. Higher doses of liraglutide had better efficacy, and 44.4% of 
patients in the liraglutide 1.2 mg group reached overt weight reduction, whereas 
just 32.1% in the 0.6 mg group had achieved this. Young age was found to be a 
predictor factor for a positive finding (odds ratio 0.941, P = 0.037). Early 
responders with decreased bodyweight of >4.2% within the first 4 weeks indicated 
a better chance to achieve measurable weight reduction.
CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose liraglutide still has high efficacy in weight reduction in 
Taiwanese people, especially for those of younger age.