Tirzepatide, a medication sold under the names Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss, has shown impressive results in helping people avoid developing diabetes.
A new study found that it can reduce the risk of diabetes by up to 94% in people who are overweight or obese and already have signs of prediabetes.
The study lasted for three years and involved 1,032 participants. All of them had extra weight and were at risk for diabetes because of conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or sleep apnea.
The participants were randomly placed into two groups. One group got a placebo (a treatment with no active medicine), and the other group received weekly doses of tirzepatide—either 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg—for 176 weeks (a little over three years). Everyone in the study also followed a diet and exercise plan.
The results were eye-opening. People who took the highest dose (15 mg) of tirzepatide lost an average of 22.9% of their body weight. In comparison, those taking the placebo lost only about 2.1%. Those who received the 5 mg and 10 mg doses also lost a lot of weight—15.4% and 19.9% of their starting weight, respectively.
Dr. Jeff Emmick from Eli Lilly, the company that makes tirzepatide, said these results show how helpful long-term treatment can be for people living with obesity and prediabetes.
Tirzepatide is part of a group of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs help the body release more insulin to control blood sugar levels and make people feel full longer, which reduces hunger and helps with weight loss. Another popular drug in this category is semaglutide, which is sold as Ozempic and Wegovy.
One thing the study also found is that when people stopped using tirzepatide, they began to regain some of the weight they had lost. This happened over a 17-week period after stopping the drug. Some also started to show signs of developing type 2 diabetes again.
However, even after stopping the medication, the overall risk of getting diabetes was still reduced by 88% compared to people who never took it.
As with many medications, there were some side effects. The most common were problems with digestion, such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. Most people had only mild to moderate symptoms.
Overall, this study shows that tirzepatide can be a powerful option for people who are overweight or obese and at risk of developing diabetes.
While some of the benefits lessen after stopping the medication, the positive effects during treatment are strong. This gives new hope to people looking for ways to manage their weight and reduce their chances of getting diabetes.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about How to choosing the right fruits for type 2 diabetes and findings of New higher dose diabetes drug promises better blood sugar control and weight loss.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about The hidden connection between cancer and diabetes uncovered and findings of Scientists find the best way to help people with diabetes lose weight.
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