Evidence section
Liraglutide, naltrexone-bupropion and orlistat studies
Two pharmacists registered and practising in British Columbia read this page against the study pages and papers it lists and signed it. Their names are withheld from the site and held on file; their registration is confirmed on request.
Before semaglutide and tirzepatide, three medicines were the main options for weight management in Canada: liraglutide, naltrexone/bupropion, and orlistat. This hub explains the trials behind them, including liraglutide studies in adolescents and children and a trial that combined liraglutide with exercise. These medicines remain in use, and their trials show how much the size of the effect differs between medicines and study designs.
Studies in this section (9)
Orlistat over two years: weight loss and regain in a European trial
A two-year European trial of orlistat (Xenical) explained for Canadian readers: weight loss in year one and less regain in year two on orlistat.
Orlistat for one year: results from a UK trial with a low-energy diet
A one-year UK trial of orlistat (Xenical) with a low-energy diet, explained for Canadian readers: 8.5% weight loss with orlistat versus 5.4% with placebo.
COR-BMOD: naltrexone/bupropion added to intensive behaviour change
COR-BMOD explained for Canadian readers: naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave) with intensive behaviour change gave 9.3% weight loss versus 5.1% with placebo.
Naltrexone/bupropion for weight loss: what the COR-II trial found
Plain-language summary of COR-II, a 56-week trial of naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave) for weight loss, written for Canadian readers.
Liraglutide 3 mg for weight loss: the SCALE trial explained
Plain-language summary of the SCALE trial of liraglutide 3 mg (Saxenda) for weight loss in adults without diabetes, written for Canadian readers.
Does liraglutide help sleep apnea? The SCALE Sleep Apnea trial
Plain-language summary of SCALE Sleep Apnea, a 32-week trial of liraglutide 3 mg (Saxenda) in adults with obesity and sleep apnea, with Canadian sites.
Liraglutide for teens with obesity: what a 56-week trial found
Plain-language summary of the 56-week trial of liraglutide (Saxenda) in adolescents with obesity, and what happened after stopping, for Canadian readers.
Exercise, liraglutide, or both to keep weight off: S-LiTE
Plain-language summary of S-LiTE, a one-year trial of exercise, liraglutide (Saxenda), or both for keeping weight off after a diet, for Canadian readers.
Liraglutide in children aged 6 to 11: the SCALE Kids trial
Plain-language summary of SCALE Kids, a 56-week trial of liraglutide (Saxenda) in 82 children aged 6 to 11 with obesity, written for Canadian families.
Other evidence sections
How to read these pages
Every page in this section explains one published study. The numbers are reported as the researchers published them, with a link to the paper on PubMed. Pages say what a study cannot tell you and never rank one medicine against another. They are education, not medical advice. For how a medicine is used and paid for in Canada, see medicines, public drug coverage by province and compare services.
Reviewed and signed by two pharmacists registered in British Columbia, 2026-09-18.