Reporter brief
GLP-1 agonists associated with reduced hepatic decompensation and mortality in older adults with MASLD, cohort study
What happened
Retrospective cohort study of 43,930 adults aged ≥65 years with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), comparing GLP-1 receptor agonist initiators to unexposed patients using propensity-score matching. GLP-1 RA use was associated with lower hazards of hepatic decompensation (HR 0.72), mortality (HR 0.55), and hospitalisation (HR 0.95), but showed no reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (HR 0.98). Increased rates of gastrointestinal events, osteoporosis without fracture, and retinopathy were observed in the GLP-1 RA group.
Why it matters
Assessment pending; this report does not establish a change in evidence.
What it does NOT prove
- Limitations have not been recorded; consult the primary source.
Study design and sample
Cohort; Human.
Adults 65 years or older with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), identified by codes for fatty liver disease or steatohepatitis plus one cardiometabolic risk factor. Excluded liver transplant recipients and other liver disease causes.
- Design
- Cohort
- Sample
- 43,930
- Journal
- Age and ageing
- Published
- Sep 4, 2026
Effect size
Hepatic decompensation: HR 0.72 (95% CI 0.66-0.79); Mortality: HR 0.55 (95% CI 0.52-0.58); Hospitalisation: HR 0.95 (95% CI 0.93-0.97); MACE: HR 0.98 (95% CI 0.92-1.04)
Caveats
- Assessment: Superseded.
- Only the source material recorded on this evidence page was assessed.
Conflicts and funding
Not recorded.
Previous evidence
See the GLP-1 agonists timeline and recorded assessment for prior evidence.
Primary source
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