How Does Byetta (Exenatide) Cause Weight Loss?

Medically Reviewed By Dr Pawel ZawadzkiDr. Pawel Zawadzki, a U.S.-licensed MD from McMaster University and Poznan Medical School, specializes in family medicine, advocates for healthy living, and enjoys outdoor activities, reflecting his holistic approach to health.

Written by CDI Staff WriterOur internal team are experts in many subjects. on November 20, 2019

What is Byetta (Exenatide)?

Byetta is the brand name medication of the drug exenatide. It is a drug used for treating Type 2 diabetes. The drug comes in a pre-filled injection pen and is typically administered twice a day at 5 mcg per injection.

Byetta (Exenatide) and Weight Loss

Although Byetta should not be used as a weight loss drug, weight loss is one of the common side effects in patients with Type 2 diabetes. In clinical studies, participants using Byetta consistently exhibited weight loss. In a 24-week study, patients taking Exenatide and no other diabetes medication lost an average of 6 to 6.4 pounds, compared to patients taking a placebo who lost an average of 3.3 pounds.

In a 30-week study, participants taking Byetta and metformin lost, on average, 2.9 to 5.7 pounds. Patients taking a placebo lost, on average, only 0.4 pounds. In another 30-week study, participants taking Exenatide and sulfonylurea lost, on average, 2.4 and 3.5 pounds. Participants taking a placebo only lost an average of 1.8 pounds.

Though the clinical studies show consistent weight loss, anecdotal evidence shows even more success with weight loss. Endocrinologist Dr. Joe Prendergast has said that for his 200 patients on Byetta, the average weight loss was 35 pounds over nine months.

Weight loss on Byetta is most likely caused by a decrease in appetite, which is another side effect of its use. As patients find themselves less hungry, it makes it easier for them to eat less and stick to a successful weight loss diet.

Doctor’s Recommendation

Exenatide has been on the market since 2005, whereas semaglutide has been available since 2017. In terms of weight loss, exenatide can produce a weight loss of 2-4 kg over 30 weeks, compared to 12.3 kg in about 28 weeks with Ozempic (semaglutide). For glycemic control, exenatide reduces mean glycated hemoglobin by 0.8 to 1%, versus 1.8% with semaglutide. Therefore, semaglutide is a much more efficacious drug compared to exenatide.

Overall, semaglutide is preferred for the majority of patients. However, there are several considerations to keep in mind.

Exenatide may be useful in cases where glycemic control is more important (and near target) than weight loss. Additionally, exenatide’s safety with concurrent insulin use has been more thoroughly established.

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