New research presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Venice, Italy, suggests that medications containing the ingredient trizepatide, such as Mounjaro and Zepbound, can effectively help people lose weight and reduce their waist circumference, regardless of the duration of their weight issues. The study, not yet peer-reviewed, used data from several SURMOUNT phase 3 trials comparing tirzepatide medications to placebos in various participant groups based on obesity or weight-related comorbidities. The results showed consistent weight loss and reduced waist circumference in participants with obesity or overweight, with positive outcomes across different durations of disease.
Participants in the study who took tirzepatide saw significant reductions in body weight and waist circumference, with results varying based on the duration of their obesity or weight issues. Those with obesity for over 20 years experienced similar outcomes to those with less than 10 years of weight problems, indicating that it is never too late to try to lose weight with the help of these medications. Dr. Mir Ali, a bariatric surgeon, noted that tirzepatide works by affecting hormones to aid weight loss, emphasizing the importance of patients remaining on these medications long-term for continued success, as weight gain can occur once treatment is stopped without addressing lifestyle and dietary habits.
A separate study in 2023 found that participants who transitioned from tirzepatide to a placebo after 36 weeks experienced weight regain, highlighting the importance of ongoing medication use for sustained weight loss. Although tirzepatide may not be covered by insurance and can cause mild side effects like nausea and constipation, experts like Dr. Holly Lofton from NYU Langone Health believe that the consistent weight loss observed in multiple studies, including those funded by Eli Lilly and Company, the makers of Mounjaro and Zepbound, provides valuable evidence for healthcare providers to consider when treating patients with obesity, regardless of their initial BMI or disease duration.
Dr. Ali and Dr. Lofton both agree that while industry-funded studies may raise concerns about bias, the data is reviewed by regulatory bodies like the FDA and independent medical peers to ensure validity and quality. The findings from this research contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of medications containing trizepatide for weight management. Dr. Ali emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that includes lifestyle modifications alongside medication use to optimize weight loss outcomes, while Dr. Lofton highlights the importance of individualized treatment plans based on clinical judgment to determine the best approach for each patient. Overall, the results suggest that medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound can be valuable tools in helping individuals achieve significant weight loss and improve their health outcomes.