A breakthrough in Obesity Management? Researchers have cracked the code to combat this global issue with Tirzepatide. Obesity is known for its chronic side effects, like heart disease and diabetes. In search of a weight management solution, the new drug Tirzepatide brought new hope. Traditionally, people with weight problems have tried combinations of exercise and diet to manage their weight. Also, many opted for medication, but had limited effects on weight loss. 

How Tizepatide Works

To understand how Tirzepatide came to be a rescue, you must know how it works. Imagine your body has messengers,  GLP-1 and GIP, telling it when you're hungry and how to use energy. Tirzepatide mimics those messengers that normally help you feel full and use energy well.

This is why Tirzepatide is special. It tricks your body into feeling satisfied for longer, slows down digestion, and helps manage blood sugar. The result? Potentially bigger weight loss compared to other medications!

The Road to FDA Approval

The magic mechanism explained above has its roots in the clinical trials that happened when over 5000 participants with obesity or overweight conditions joined hands and enrolled across various trials. 

These trials yielded positive results, showing good weight loss in the patients taking Tirzepatide as compared to those on Placebo. This success opened the gate for FDA approval in May 2022 for Tirzepatide under the brand name Zepbound.

Let us quickly delve into the journey: 

1. SURMOUNT-1 Trial: The trials started with participants with obesity but without diabetes. In the treatment, they were assigned to receive either 5mg, 10mg, or 15mg of Tirzepatide or placebo once weekly for 72 weeks.

• Results: All Tirzepatide groups achieved a mean weight loss of at least 15%, with the highest dose group losing 20.9% of their body weight.

2. SURMOUNT-2 Trial: These trials had participants with obesity and type 2 diabetes. They were given either 10mg or 15mg of Tirzepatide or a placebo once a week for 72 weeks.

• Results: Adults receiving 10 mg of Tirzepatide lost 12.8% of their weight, and those receiving 15mg of Tirzepatide lost 14.7% of their weight.

3. SURMOUNT-3 Trial: These trials were done on patients with obesity where they underwent a 12-week lifestyle intervention followed by 72 weeks of once-weekly Tirzepatide.

• Results: Participants lost a mean of 24.3% of their body weight.

4. SURMOUNT-4 Trial: It includes participants with obesity who are given once-weekly Tirzepatide for either 36 or 88 weeks.

• Results: Those receiving Tirzepatide for 36 weeks lost 20.2% of their body weight. And those who continued receiving Tirzepatide for 88 weeks lost 25.3% of their body weight.

Conclusion 

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) is a new sword to fight against obesity. The studies proved its usage in weight loss by up to 25%, and thus it got FDA approval. By mimicking the gut hormones, it creates a stomach-full feel for longer, slows down digestion, and also helps in blood sugar levels. However, it is important to note that Tirzepatide is not a magic bullet. Lifestyle changes, good eating habits, and proper exercise regimes are also important to sustained weight management.