A recent Phase 3 clinical trial, SURMOUNT-3, revealed that the injectable prescription drug, Tirzepatide, significantly aids in weight reduction. When amalgamated with a rigorous lifestyle intervention, it led to an additional 21.1% weight loss in overweight adults with obesity-associated complications, barring type 2 diabetes. Sponsored by Eli Lilly, these encouraging findings were published in Nature Medicine and discussed at a national obesity researchers conference.
Tirzepatide: A Double-Action Drug for Obesity
Marketed under the brand name Mounjaro, Tirzepatide offers dual benefits. It mimics the actions of two key hormones - glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These hormones work synergistically to stimulate insulin secretion, slow gastric emptying, and extend the feeling of satiety post-meal. This aids in blood sugar regulation and promotes weight loss.
Vanderbilt University's Involvement in the Study
Gitanjali Srivastava, M.D., an associate professor of medicine specializing in diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolism at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, was actively involved in the research. She expressed her excitement about the study's outcomes, stating that Tirzepatide has already proven its efficacy in treating type 2 diabetes and now shows promising results in significant weight loss.
Details of the Research
The study involved 806 participants from the United States, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and Brazil. Prior to the administration of Tirzepatide or a placebo, the subjects underwent an intensive 12-week lifestyle intervention.
Impressive Weight Loss Results
Participants who lost at least 5% body weight in the first 12 weeks were given either Tirzepatide or a placebo. The results were impressive - participants using Tirzepatide achieved an additional average weight loss of 21.1%. From the beginning to the 84th week, they achieved an average total weight loss of 26.6%.
Side Effects and Future of Obesity Treatment
While the most common side effects were gastrointestinal, they were generally mild to moderate. Srivastava hailed Tirzepatide as the dawn of a new era in incretin-based therapies that can significantly aid weight loss.
As new treatments continue to evolve, obesity management is witnessing a paradigm shift. It's crucial, however, to remember that weight loss is a complex process that varies individually. Always consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian before starting any weight loss plan.
Source: “Tirzepatide after intensive lifestyle intervention in adults with overweight or obesity: the SURMOUNT-3 phase 3 trial” by Thomas A. Wadden, Ariana M. Chao, Sriram Machineni, Robert Kushner, Jamy Ard, Gitanjali Srivastava, Bruno Halpern, Shuyu Zhang, Jiaxun Chen, Mathijs C. Bunck, Nadia N. Ahmad and Tammy Forrester, 15 October 2023, Nature Medicine.
DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02597-w
Post a Comment