A recent study published in Diabetes & Metabolism examines the real-world effectiveness of Tirzepatide in aiding weight loss among U.S. patients without a history of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The retrospective study, led by scientists at Eli Lilly & Company and Carelon Research, analyzed data from 4,177 patients to understand treatment patterns, medication adherence, and weight loss outcomes.
The study used data from the Healthcare Integrated Research Database, which included a predominantly female group (75.6%) with an average age of 46 years. The patients were prescribed Tirzepatide, a drug known for its potential in promoting weight loss. The researchers looked at patients’ demographics, their commitment to taking the drug, and their resulting weight changes. The results showed that most of the patients had at least one obesity-related health issue (73.8%), and over half had multiple complications (51.0%).
While the drug’s dose escalations were slower than in clinical trials, many patients continued with lower doses, such as 5 mg or 7.5 mg, even after six months. This was attributed to factors such as off-label prescribing, limited drug supply, and patient or doctor preferences. Despite the slower dosage adjustments, patients who stayed on the medication for at least six months experienced a significant average weight loss of 12.9%. This result was seen in a subset of patients who were new to GLP-1 medications, not the entire cohort.
The persistence rate of 73.8% in this study was higher than that of other GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and liraglutide. This suggests that Tirzepatide may be especially effective in supporting weight loss for overweight and obese individuals without T2D.
Notably, Tirzepatide was used off-label for weight management during this study, as its FDA approval for obesity was granted after the period analyzed.
Background on Obesity and Its Impact
Obesity, defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher, is a chronic health condition that can lead to more than 200 associated diseases, including cardiovascular problems, endocrine disorders, kidney failure, metabolic syndrome, and neurological conditions.
Globally, obesity rates have been rising at an alarming pace, with an estimated 16% of adults affected in 2022—more than double the rate from 1990. The United States, in particular, has one of the highest obesity rates in the world, reaching 42%. Projections suggest that by 2030, half of all U.S. adults will be obese, increasing the economic and medical burdens on individuals and families.
The rising obesity rates underscore the need for effective treatments and interventions. Current approaches combine weight management medications with healthy lifestyle practices such as good sleep and diet. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, like Tirzepatide, are commonly used as part of this strategy. Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, has shown significant promise in treating both T2D and obesity. Although it performed exceptionally well in clinical trials (SURMOUNT-1), its real-world effectiveness is still being explored.
