A phase 3 clinical trial has found that the injectable prescription medication tirzepatide, in combination with intensive lifestyle intervention, resulted in an additional 21.1% weight loss in adults with obesity or those overweight with weight-related comorbidities, excluding Type 2 diabetes.Tirzepatide, marketed as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro, mimics the actions of two hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide .
“We are excited about the results of the SURMOUNT-3 trial,” said Srivastava. “This medication has already proven to be highly effective as a treatment for persons with Type 2 diabetes. This research provides solid evidence that it is also extremely effective as a tool to achieve significant, life-changing weight loss, in conjunction with a low-calorie diet, exercise, and frequent nutrition and behavioral counseling.
At the beginning of the study, the mean body weight was 241.4 lbs. . At the end of the 12-week lead-in period, participants achieved 6.9% mean weight loss. Participants taking the placebo achieved a total mean weight loss of 3.8% from study entry over 84 weeks.The most common side effects from tirzepatide were gastrointestinal, such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, which were generally mild to moderate in severity.