Tirzepatide beneficial for treating obesity, study shows

People with obesity who took a weekly dose of tirzepatide saw up to a 22.5% reduction in their body weight, research published in The New England Journal of Medicine has concluded.

A team of established academics assessed the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide, a novel glucose-dependant insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1).

During the study, more than 2,500 adults with a weight-related complication and a body-mass index (BMI) of 27 or more either received a single dose of subcutaneous tirzepatide or a placebo for 72 weeks.

According to the report, coprimary end points were the percentage change in weight from baseline and a weight reduction of five per cent or more.

The researchers have found that the participants taking tirzepatide experienced body weight reductions of 16.0% (5 mg), 21.4% (10 mg) and 22.5% (15 mg), compared to placebo (2.4%) for the efficacy estimand.

These results translate to weight loss of 16.1 kg (35 lb., 5 mg), 22.2 kg (49 lb., 10 mg), 23.6 kg (52 lb., 15 mg) and 2.4 kg (5 lb., placebo), the study has reported.

According to the findings, 89% (5 mg) and 96% (10 mg and 15 mg) of participants taking tirzepatide achieved the co-primary endpoint of body weight reductions of at least five per cent, compared to 28% of those taking placebo.

In a key secondary endpoint, 55% (10 mg) and 63% (15 mg) of participants taking tirzepatide achieved at least 20% body weight reductions compared to 1.3% of those taking placebo, the researchers have said.

The study has also reported that in an additional secondary endpoint, 32% of participants taking tirzepatide 5 mg achieved at least 20% body weight reductions.

To access the study, click here.