Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 13: A new study reveals that taking tirzepatide once a week can lead to significant and long-lasting weight loss for up to three years in adults with overweight or obesity who do not have diabetes.

Presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Malaga, Spain, the research found that women and individuals without obesity-related health conditions responded more effectively to the treatment. The study was led by Dr. Luca Busetto from the University of Padova, Italy, in collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company, the manufacturer of tirzepatide.

The results come from a continued analysis of the SURMOUNT-1 phase 3 trial, which focused on tirzepatide’s long-term effects on weight management. No new safety concerns were observed, with the most common side effects being nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.

“Our data confirm that tirzepatide can help maintain meaningful weight loss for up to three years, regardless of a person’s age, BMI, or the duration of obesity,” said Dr. Busetto. He also noted that treatment outcomes varied, with better results seen in women and individuals without obesity-related complications.

Tirzepatide functions by mimicking two gut hormones — GLP-1 and GIP — which help regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite. It slows stomach emptying and interacts with brain receptors that promote a feeling of fullness, thereby reducing food intake.

The drug has been approved under the name Zepbound by the US FDA in November 2023 and as Mounjaro by the EU in June 2024 for managing weight in adults with obesity or overweight accompanied by a related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Researchers believe the findings pave the way for more personalized approaches to weight loss treatment, tailored to individual characteristics and health profiles.