by A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has shed light on the potential drawbacks of new generation obesity drugs. While these medications often result in dramatic weight loss, the study suggests that patients may face challenges in maintaining their weight once they stop treatment, potentially leading to long-term dependence on the drugs.
The study focused on tirzepatide, the active compound in Eli Lilly’s newly approved weight loss drug, Zepbound. Over a course of 36 weeks, 670 adult participants experienced an average weight loss of 20.9 percent. Following this, the group was split into two, with half receiving a placebo instead of Zepbound.
After a total of 88 weeks, participants in the placebo group had regained nearly half of the weight they had lost, ending up 9.9 percent lower than their initial weight. On the other hand, those who continued taking Zepbound continued to lose weight, with a final weight reduction of 25.3 percent. The trial participants were mostly women with an average age of 48 and an initial weight of 107.3 kilograms (236.6 pounds).
Throughout the study, all participants were advised to consume 500 fewer calories per day than they burned and engage in at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. The study noted gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting, as common side effects of the treatment.
The researchers, led by Louis Aronne at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, emphasized the importance of ongoing pharmacotherapy to prevent weight regain and maintain weight reduction. They highlighted that the findings complemented previous trials which demonstrated weight regain after stopping treatment with medications like semaglutide, a potent antiobesity medication found in Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy.
Zepbound, like Ozempic and Wegovy, belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 agonists. These drugs mimic the function of a hormone that stimulates insulin secretion, slows down stomach emptying, and suppresses appetite. Zepbound also contains another molecule that acts similarly to the gut hormone GIP.
In response to the study, Jeff Emmick from Eli Lilly emphasized that obesity should be recognized as a chronic disease requiring ongoing treatment, even once weight goals have been achieved.
While GLP-1 agonists have shown promise in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with obesity, they have also been linked to an increased risk of gastrointestinal problems. Some experts are concerned that prolonged use of these medications over years or decades may change the risk-benefit analysis.
Additionally, cost can be a barrier for many individuals seeking obesity medication. Zepbound, for instance, is priced at $1,059.87 per month, and insurance companies often do not cover weight loss medications. Medicare, a state-subsidized insurance program for the elderly, is specifically prohibited from covering these medications.
Overall, this study highlights the challenges faced by patients in maintaining weight loss after stopping obesity treatment and underscores the need for continued pharmacotherapy to sustain weight reduction. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and develop more effective strategies for preventing weight regain in patients with obesity.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
