The diabetes drug Mounjaro has shown promising results in aiding weight loss for people with obesity or who are overweight. In a new study, participants who took Mounjaro, combined with intensive diet and exercise, lost an average of 60 pounds or about a quarter of their body weight. On the other hand, the group that followed the same diet and exercise regimen but received placebo shots initially lost weight but later regained some of it.
The study, led by Dr. Thomas Wadden, a University of Pennsylvania obesity researcher, underscores the potential of Mounjaro, manufactured by Eli Lilly & Co., in becoming one of the most effective medical treatments for obesity. Dr. Caroline Apovian, an obesity expert at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, emphasizes the significance of losing a quarter of one’s total body weight.
The drug, known as tirzepatide, was originally approved to treat diabetes but has been used off-label to address obesity. It targets hormones that control appetite and the feeling of fullness. Mounjaro joins the ranks of other diabetes and weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy in addressing the growing demand for effective treatments. However, these drugs, including Mounjaro, come with a high price tag and have been experiencing shortages for months.
The study, funded by Eli Lilly, involved around 800 participants who had obesity or were overweight with weight-related health complications but did not have diabetes. After three months of intensive diet and exercise, approximately 600 participants were randomly assigned to receive tirzepatide or a placebo for about 16 months. The group taking the drug lost an additional 18.4% of their initial body weight, compared to the placebo group that regained some weight.
According to the study, 88% of those taking Mounjaro lost 5% or more of their body weight, and almost 29% lost at least a quarter of their body weight. These results are comparable to the weight loss seen with bariatric surgery and the impact of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy.
Side effects of Mounjaro include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, but they were generally mild to moderate. More than 10% of participants discontinued the study due to side effects.
Eli Lilly is expected to publish the results of another study demonstrating high rates of weight loss, and the US Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing Mounjaro for the treatment of obesity. A decision is expected by the end of the year.
Source: The Associated Press
Unique Perspective: The development of drugs like Mounjaro that can aid weight loss and treat obesity brings hope to the millions of people struggling with their weight. By combining medication with diet and exercise, these individuals can achieve significant and sustainable weight loss, improving their overall health and well-being. However, it is important to remember that weight loss should be approached in a holistic manner, considering factors such as mental health, lifestyle changes, and long-term maintenance strategies.
