In a groundbreaking clinical trial, tirzepatide, the key ingredient in the weight loss drug Zepbound, has shown a dramatic 94% reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes among obese or overweight adults with pre-diabetes. This significant finding comes from a phase 3 study conducted by pharmaceutical leader Eli Lilly, which involved weekly tirzepatide injections versus placebo injections over approximately three years with 1,032 participants.
Participants receiving the 15 mg weekly dose of tirzepatide experienced an average weight loss of 22.9% during the study period, compared to just 2.1% in the placebo group. “Obesity is a persistent condition affecting nearly 900 million adults globally, leading to increased risks of complications such as type 2 diabetes,” noted Jeff Emmick, senior vice president at Eli Lilly, the maker of Zepbound. He emphasized that the drug not only significantly reduced diabetes risk but also resulted in sustained weight loss over the treatment duration.
Although the study’s detailed results are pending peer review and formal publication, the findings suggest that tirzepatide could play a crucial role in lowering the likelihood of type 2 diabetes among individuals at high risk. The risk of progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes in individuals over 45 typically ranges from 9% to 14%, indicating that millions could benefit from this intervention.
Tirzepatide, like other recent weight loss medications, mimics the effects of natural hormones GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), which are known to enhance blood sugar regulation and suppress appetite. Previous studies have positioned tirzepatide alongside Ozempic in terms of weight loss efficacy, with potential additional health benefits.
However, tirzepatide is not without its side effects. While it has received regulatory approval, some users have reported severe adverse effects, including gastrointestinal issues, kidney problems, hypoglycemia, and serious allergic reactions. Furthermore, questions remain about the long-term effectiveness of tirzepatide. In the 17 weeks following the cessation of the medication, participants showed some weight regain and a decrease in diabetes risk reduction to 88%.
Despite these concerns, the research underscores the promising role of tirzepatide and similar drugs in managing obesity and reducing type 2 diabetes risk. “These results highlight the potential clinical benefits of extended therapy for individuals with obesity and pre-diabetes,” Emmick concluded.
The full details of this research will be presented at Obesity Week 2024 in San Antonio this November.
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