Mounjaro, a once-weekly weight loss injection, has shown impressive results in helping individuals maintain substantial weight loss over three years, according to new trial data. The study, conducted by Eli Lilly, the drug’s manufacturer, and academic institutions, reveals that users of Mounjaro, which contains tirzepatide, can achieve and sustain significant weight reduction. The treatment works by mimicking two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, to suppress appetite, regulate blood sugar, and slow digestion.
Study Shows Long-Term Weight Loss Effects
The Surmount-1 trial, which followed approximately 700 participants with obesity or pre-diabetes over 176 weeks, offers promising insights into Mounjaro’s long-term effectiveness. The study split participants into three groups based on the speed of their weight loss: slow, moderate, and rapid. These groups represented roughly equal thirds of the participants.
- The slow loss group achieved an average weight reduction of 9.2%.
- The moderate loss group lost an average of 20.2%.
- The rapid loss group saw a remarkable 30.8% reduction.
While all groups reached a weight loss plateau, those who experienced faster weight loss initially reached their lowest weight after approximately 22 months. On average, participants lost 23.1% of their starting body weight.
Long-Term Weight Maintenance
After reaching their lowest weight, participants did experience some weight regain. However, even by the end of the study, they maintained an impressive average weight loss of 19.4%. Notably, 70% of participants regained less than 5% of their starting weight, underscoring Mounjaro’s effectiveness in helping individuals maintain their weight loss over a significant period.
Implications for Treatment and Policy
The findings suggest that Mounjaro could play a pivotal role in the treatment of obesity and pre-diabetes, offering hope for long-term weight management. Professor Luca Busetto from the University of Padova emphasized that early weight loss speed could help predict long-term outcomes. This could lead to more personalized treatment plans, allowing healthcare providers to determine whether stronger therapies should be introduced based on early results.
Dr. Simon Cork from Anglia Ruskin University also highlighted the potential impact of Mounjaro on healthcare policies, particularly as obesity-related illnesses continue to rise globally. The success of tirzepatide could drive changes in treatment guidelines, especially given that current recommendations limit the use of such medications to two years, despite Mounjaro’s demonstrated effectiveness over three years.
Caution Around Weight Loss Advertising
As interest in weight loss injections like Mounjaro grows, there has been an increasing focus on the regulation of their marketing. The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has issued reminders that prescription-only medications such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda cannot be advertised directly to the public. This includes advertisements through social media, influencer promotions, and other forms of sponsored content.
The ASA’s warning follows reports of aggressive and often illegal marketing tactics aimed at UK consumers. With the rise in demand for weight loss treatments, the authorities are taking steps to ensure that advertising practices remain within legal boundaries.
A Step Forward in Weight Loss Solutions
The findings of this study will be presented at the upcoming European Congress on Obesity in Málaga, where they are expected to spark further discussions on the role of long-term weight loss treatments. As the global obesity epidemic continues to grow, effective weight loss solutions like Mounjaro could play a significant part in addressing public health concerns. The study’s data highlights the potential of tirzepatide as a game-changing therapy, particularly for those struggling with obesity and related health issues.
