In a groundbreaking study, when combined with rigorous diet and exercise regimes, participants experienced an astounding average weight loss of about 60 pounds, equivalent to a quarter of their total body weight.
Eli Lilly’s diabetes drug Mounjaro, containing tirzepatide, proved highly effective in aiding people struggling with obesity and overweight issues
Dr. Thomas Wadden, a leading obesity researcher from the University of Pennsylvania, emphasized the potential for even greater weight loss if individuals shed some pounds prior to starting the medication. This research, funded by Eli Lilly, involved approximately 800 individuals dealing with obesity or excess weight-related health concerns, excluding diabetes. After an initial phase of intensive diet and exercise, over 200 participants left the trial. The remaining group of nearly 600 was randomly assigned either tirzepatide or a placebo via weekly injections over approximately 16 months. Ultimately, almost 500 participants completed the study by Eli Lilly.
Both groups experienced a 7% reduction in body weight during the diet and exercise phase
However, those administered the drug proceeded to lose an additional 18.4% of their initial weight, while those receiving dummy shots regained about 2.5%. Impressively, around 88% of those on tirzepatide lost 5% or more of their body weight, compared to just under 17% on placebo. Almost 29% of those on the drug lost at least a quarter of their body weight, versus just over 1% on placebo.
Dr. Caroline Apovian from Brigham and Women’s Hospital commended the results, likening them to the outcomes of bariatric surgery. Yet, side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation were more frequent in the tirzepatide group. Eli Lilly is poised to release similar promising study results soon. The U.S. FDA has fast-tracked the review of the drug’s potential to treat obesity, with a decision expected by year-end.