Worldsfeed Health Desk: A recent clinical trial highlights the remarkable potential of the diabetes drug Mounjaro in combatting obesity, resulting in participants shedding an average of around 60 pounds. While officially sanctioned for diabetes treatment since May 2022, Mounjaro has been informally employed for weight management.
Tirzepatide, the active component in Mounjaro, functions by targeting two hormones that control appetite and the sensation of fullness, setting it apart from other popular weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which focus on just one hormone.
The study involved 800 overweight and obese individuals who also had weight-related health issues but did not have diabetes. Although initially weighing approximately 241 pounds and having a body mass index of around 38, over 200 participants withdrew from the trial after three months of rigorous diet and exercise due to various reasons, including an inability to lose weight.
Meanwhile, the remaining 600 participants were randomly assigned to receive tirzepatide or a placebo through weekly injections for about 16 months. Nearly 500 people completed the study.
The outcomes of the trial, presented by Eli Lilly at Obesity Week in Dallas and published in the journal Nature Medicine, demonstrated that individuals who had undergone weight loss through lifestyle changes before starting the drug experienced significant additional weight reduction, shedding approximately 44 pounds or 18.4% of their body weight when using Mounjaro, compared to those who regained about six pounds on the placebo.
Dr. Caroline Apovian, an obesity specialist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, noted that approximately 88% of those who took the drug lost 5% or more of their body weight during the study, in contrast to just 17% of the placebo group. Additionally, nearly 29% of those on the medication lost at least a quarter of their body weight, compared to approximately 1% of those on the placebo.
These results have spurred enthusiasm for Mounjaro’s potential in addressing obesity, prompting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to expedite its review process for the drug’s use in obesity treatment. However, it’s important to note that there are side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, which may become more pronounced as the dosage is increased.
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