By comparison, the FDA-approved drug liraglutide only resulted in just under 6% weight loss after 26 weeks, the researchers found. Common adverse side effects from the drugs included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation, researchers noted. However, side effects so bad people had to stop taking the drugs were rare.

McGill University researchers say their study has found GLP-1 drugs are safe and effective for treating obesity and overweight adults without diabetes. The authors say the findings support using the medication to treat those who are overweight and obese among otherwise healthy patients.