Tirzepatide, a medication known under the brand names Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss, has shown remarkable results in reducing the likelihood of developing diabetes in obese, prediabetic individuals.
A recent three-year study, funded by the drug’s manufacturer, Eli Lilly, revealed that tirzepatide could cut the risk of developing diabetes by a staggering 94%.
The trial involved 1,032 participants who were either obese or overweight and classified as prediabetic due to conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea.
These individuals were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or one of three doses of tirzepatide (5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg) weekly for 176 weeks, which is just over three years. In addition to receiving the injections, participants were also placed on a diet and exercise regimen.
One of the most significant findings from the study was the sustained weight loss experienced by those taking tirzepatide. Participants who received the highest dose (15 mg) saw an average decrease in body weight of 22.9%, compared to just 2.1% in the placebo group.
The weight loss varied depending on the dose, with those on the 5 mg dose losing 15.4% of their starting weight and those on the 10 mg dose losing 19.9%.
Dr. Jeff Emmick, senior vice president of product development at Lilly, highlighted the importance of these findings, stating, “These data reinforce the potential clinical benefits of long-term therapy for people living with obesity and prediabetes.”
Tirzepatide, like its competitor semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss), belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
These medications work by boosting insulin release, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, and by increasing feelings of fullness, which helps suppress appetite. Although originally designed to treat diabetes, these drugs have gained popularity in recent years as effective tools for weight loss.
However, the study also noted that some weight tended to return once participants stopped taking tirzepatide. During the 17 weeks following the discontinuation of the drug, participants began to regain some of the lost weight and showed an increase in the progression toward type 2 diabetes.
Despite this, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes was still reduced by 88% compared to the placebo group.
As with any medication, there were some side effects reported by participants. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal in nature, including diarrhea, nausea, constipation, and vomiting. These side effects were generally mild to moderate in severity.
In summary, this new research underscores the potential of tirzepatide as a powerful tool in preventing diabetes and aiding in weight loss for individuals at risk of these conditions.
While some weight regain and a slight increase in diabetes risk was observed after discontinuing the drug, the overall benefits during the treatment period are significant, offering hope for those struggling with obesity and prediabetes.
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