OBJECTIVES: Although the widespread use of weight control agents might increase the risk of abnormal liver function, few case reports have described this finding. This study was to compare the associations of weight loss agents with the risk of abnormal liver enzyme levels at the population level.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data from 2013 to 2019. The total number of participants over 20 years of age who completed the questionnaire was 38,105 individuals. In these participants, we analyzed associations between weight loss agents with the risk of abnormal liver enzyme levels by constructing multiple regression models with adjustment for confounding factors, stratified by sex, age, and body mass index.

RESULTS: The use of weight loss agents increased the risk of abnormal liver function in men (aOR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.14-1.79) and participants aged less than 40 years (aOR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.14-1.79). Using more weight loss types was associated with risk elevation (aOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.12-1.93 for 1 weight loss type, aOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 0.99-2.84 for ≥2 weight loss types). Increased risks were particularly associated with the use of traditional medicines (aOR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.17-3.99) and dietary supplements (aOR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.09-1.82) in men.

CONCLUSIONS: For the safe use of weight loss agents, members of the public and health care professionals should receive education to improve their awareness of the risk of abnormal liver function associated with weight loss agents.