GLP-1 receptor agonists raise the risk of gall bladder and bile duct diseases, especially when prescribed at higher doses for weight loss, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although the absolute risk increase was modest, Chinese researchers say doctors and patients should still be alert to these safety signals both in clinical practice and future trials.

Dr Huabing Zhang and colleagues from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College in Beijing reviewed 76 randomised controlled trials comparing the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo or non-GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults.

The combined cohort included more than 103,000 participants (mean age 58), of which 84% had type 2 diabetes.