Eli Lilly’s Obesity Medication Achieves Impressive 26% Weight Loss Results

An experimental drug developed by Eli Lilly has shown promising results in helping patients achieve significant weight loss. According to two studies released by the company, patients experienced an average weight reduction of 26% when using the drug alongside lifestyle changes or extended use. This represents the highest weight reduction ever observed in a late-stage clinical trial. In a previous trial, the drug, known as tirzepatide, resulted in a weight loss of up to 22.5%.

These findings solidify Eli Lilly’s position in the weight loss drug market and establish the company as a strong competitor to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of popular treatments Ozempic and Wegovy. Eli Lilly has recently filed for FDA approval of tirzepatide for chronic weight management.

In the trials, adult participants who were overweight or obese, excluding those with Type 2 diabetes, were monitored. One of the trials, called Surmount-4, involved over 600 people who took tirzepatide for 36 weeks. These participants achieved an average weight loss of 21.1%. Afterward, they were randomized to either continue the treatment or switch to a placebo for an additional 52 weeks. Those who continued tirzepatide lost an additional 6.7% of their body weight on average, while participants who switched to a placebo regained 14.8% of their weight during the same time period.

The second trial, Surmount-3, included over 500 patients who underwent intensive lifestyle interventions, such as a low-calorie diet, exercise, and weekly counseling, for 12 weeks. These participants experienced an average weight loss of 6.9%. They were then randomized to either start taking tirzepatide or a placebo for 72 weeks. Those who took tirzepatide achieved an additional 21.1% weight loss on average, while those in the placebo group gained back 3.3% of their weight.

In summary, patients who engaged in lifestyle changes for 12 weeks and took tirzepatide for 72 weeks achieved an average weight loss of 26.6%. These results challenge the belief that diet and exercise alone are sufficient for achieving weight loss goals.

It is important to note that the overall safety of tirzepatide was similar to previous studies, with the most common adverse events being mild to moderate gastrointestinal-related issues.

Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide, like other weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, is a weekly injection that alters appetite by mimicking certain hormones in the gut. However, tirzepatide mimics both GLP-1 and GIP hormones, while Wegovy only mimics GLP-1. The company has also initiated a new clinical trial comparing tirzepatide to Wegovy, which is expected to be completed in 2025.

While these drugs have gained popularity for their ability to achieve significant weight loss, it is worth noting that they may contribute to an unhealthy diet culture that idolizes thinness. Obesity remains a prevalent issue, with more than 2 in 5 adults being overweight and 1 in 11 adults having severe obesity, according to the National Institutes of Health.