According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 40% of adults in the U.S. have obesity, with 1 in 11 adults having severe obesity. With so much attention being paid to revolutionary new diabetes medications that also promote weight loss, we are closely monitoring the scientific community to observe test data.
The results of one such study, conducted by Truveta Research, examined approximately 18,000 adults who were overweight or obese, and were prescribed for either tirzepatide (trade name MounjaroTM and ZepboundTM) or semaglutide for weight loss (trade name WegovyTM) over a 16-month period between May 2022 and September 2023. Among study participant, 52.8% also had Type 2 diabetes.
The research results were eye-opening. Patients taking tirzepatide were three times more likely to 15% of their body weight compared to semaglutide; were 2.6 time more likely to achieve 10% weight loss; and were 1.8 times more likely to attain a 5% weight loss. Those patients without Type 2 diabetes lost more weight than those with the condition.
The results also showed that those participants who were prescribed tirzepatide experienced “significantly larger reductions” in body weight at specific time points during the study.
- At 3 months, the mean percentage change in body weight was -5.9% for those taking tirzepatide versus -3.6% for those taking semaglutide.
- At six months, the mean percentage change in body weight was -10.1% for those taking tirzepatide versus -5.9% for those taking semaglutide.
- At one year, the mean percentage change in body weight was -15.2% for those taking tirzepatide versus -7.9% for those taking semaglutide.
Semaglutide, typically prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes under either the OzempicTM or WegovyTM brand name, achieves its weight loss result by mimicking a hunger-regulating hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, also known as GLP-1, which increases the feeling of fullness and lowers blood sugar levels.
But tirzepatide (often under the brand name MounjaroTM or ZepboundTM) mimics GLP-1 and another hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). This dual approach may have an enhanced effect on regulating appetite and blood sugar levels.
The question is, will tirzepatide or semaglutide treatments work to help you lose weight? No promises can be made, even with the positive results achieved in this broad study. That’s because no two people are alike, and what works for one individual may not work for another. Which is why it is so important to have a personal evaluation that leads to a personalized medical weight loss program.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss how AgeRejuvenation can create a medical weight loss program to help you gain control of your life.
