Tirzepatide helps people keep off the kilos for 3 years
A new study has found that the weight-loss drug tirzepatide can help people lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off for at least three years.
The treatment, which involves a once-weekly injection, was tested in adults who are overweight or obese but do not have diabetes.
The research was presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Spain and is part of a longer study known as the SURMOUNT-1 trial.
The study followed 700 adults who had either obesity or were overweight with prediabetes. Most of them were women, and the average age was 48. These participants took tirzepatide regularly for three years.
On average, they lost between 10% and 30% of their body weight, depending on how they responded to the drug.
People who responded best were more likely to be women and to have no obesity-related health problems, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol.
Tirzepatide works by copying two natural hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) that help regulate appetite and blood sugar. It slows down digestion, making people feel full longer and less likely to overeat. It also interacts with the brain to help control hunger.
The researchers discovered three different weight-loss patterns among participants. One group lost about 10% of their weight and hit a weight-loss plateau early. Another group lost around 20% and hit a plateau later.
The final group had the most dramatic results, losing about 30% of their weight and reaching a plateau much later.
On average, participants reached a weight-loss plateau between 24 and 48 weeks after starting treatment, which is normal. Experts say that no matter what method is used, most people eventually hit a plateau because the body’s natural hormones start working to stop further weight loss.
Even with this natural slowdown, most people in the study were able to maintain their weight loss for the full three years. That’s important, because even a small amount of weight loss—just 5% of your body weight—can lower your risk of developing serious conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. According to researchers, losing 15% or more brings even greater health benefits.
Tirzepatide is already approved in the U.S. and Europe under the names Zepbound and Mounjaro. It’s used to treat obesity, overweight, and type 2 diabetes. The most common side effects reported in the trial were nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, but no new safety concerns were found.
This research shows that tirzepatide may be a powerful tool for long-term weight management, offering hope to many people struggling with excess weight.
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Source: KSR.
