A new study has found that the anti-obesity medication Zepbound, also known as tirzepatide, is effective in promoting significant weight loss in individuals with multiple obesity-related medical conditions. This challenges the commonly held belief that people with chronic health issues linked to obesity may have difficulty losing weight. Obesity is known to contribute to over 200 chronic conditions, making weight management crucial for overall health. The research, presented at the ENDO 2024 conference, analyzed data from four trials involving a total of 4,726 individuals with obesity or overweight and obesity-related medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes. The findings indicate that tirzepatide leads to significant weight loss regardless of the number of obesity-related conditions a person may have.
Tirzepatide, marketed as 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 weekly injection, tirzepatide effectively reduces blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss better than current treatments. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, which usually diminish over time. Tirzepatide belongs to a new class of diabetes medications that act as dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonists, targeting mechanisms that regulate insulin secretion, blood sugar levels, appetite control, and weight management.
The study found that participants treated with tirzepatide experienced greater reductions in body weight regardless of the presence of other obesity-related conditions compared to those who received a placebo. Lead author Sriram Machineni, MD, noted that weight loss with tirzepatide was consistent among patients with multiple medical issues, such as hypertension, sleep apnea, and liver disease, demonstrating the medication’s effectiveness across different health conditions. Mir Ali, MD, a bariatric surgeon, confirmed that this research aligns with observations in weight loss surgery patients and highlights the superior efficacy of newer medications like tirzepatide compared to previous options.
Despite the promising findings, concerns have been raised about the availability of GLP-1 drugs like Zepbound due to increasing demand. Jared L. Ross, DO, emphasized that the study was funded by Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of tirzepatide, and lead author Sriram Machineni has received financial support from the company. However, Ross also noted that the results of the study are not unexpected, as the mechanisms targeted by tirzepatide are likely to be effective in treating both type 2 diabetes and obesity-related complications. The study’s limitations were acknowledged, including the use of self-reported obesity-related complications by participants.
Overall, the research indicating the effectiveness of tirzepatide in promoting weight loss regardless of the number of obesity-related conditions is significant for individuals with multiple health issues. The medication’s approval for chronic weight management offers a promising treatment option for those struggling with obesity and related medical conditions. The study’s findings suggest that newer medications like tirzepatide may provide better outcomes for patients, with potential benefits for improving overall health and quality of life.
