Anti-obesity medication Zepbound (tirzepatide) has shown to be effective in delivering significant weight loss even in individuals with multiple obesity-related medical conditions, according to a new study. The research challenges the belief that individuals with chronic health issues associated with obesity may not lose as much weight as healthier individuals. The study suggests that tirzepatide is effective regardless of the number of obesity-related diseases a person may have. Obesity is known to cause or worsen over 200 chronic conditions, and it is commonly thought that people with multiple medical issues linked to obesity may struggle to lose weight.
The research was presented at ENDO 2024, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Boston, MA, and has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The study analyzed data from four trials involving a total of 4,726 subjects with obesity or overweight and an obesity-related medical condition. Participants treated with tirzepatide experienced greater reductions in body weight compared to those who received a placebo, regardless of the presence of other obesity-related conditions. This suggests that medical conditions linked to obesity do not impact the total weight loss achieved with tirzepatide.
Tirzepatide, marketed under the trade name Zepbound, was approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in November 2023. It is prescribed for adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Administered as a once-weekly injection, tirzepatide effectively lowers blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss better than current treatments. The medication belongs to a new class of diabetes medications as a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Dr. Sriram Machineni, lead author of the study, explained that weight loss with tirzepatide is consistent across patients with multiple medical issues, such as hypertension and sleep apnea. The medication’s effectiveness in promoting weight loss has been observed to improve other comorbid conditions as well. However, the increasing demand for GLP-1 drugs like tirzepatide may lead to shortages in the future as more patients may benefit from these medications. Despite potential limitations in the study, including its funding source and self-reporting of obesity-related complications by participants, the findings are promising for individuals with both type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Overall, the study suggests that tirzepatide is an effective treatment for weight loss in individuals with multiple obesity-related medical conditions, as it leads to significant reductions in body weight regardless of the presence of other health issues. The medication’s approval for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition positions it as a promising option for individuals struggling with obesity-related health concerns. With its dual mechanism of targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, tirzepatide offers a new approach to managing obesity and related conditions, paving the way for improved outcomes for patients with complex health needs.
