A new trial has shown that people using the weight-loss drug Mounjaro have maintained significant weight loss over a period of three years. The drug, which has earned the nickname “King Kong” of weight-loss medications, contains tirzepatide and is administered as a once-weekly injection. This groundbreaking research sheds light on how Mounjaro can help individuals manage obesity and lose weight over the long term.
How Mounjaro Works
Mounjaro works by mimicking two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, which play key roles in regulating appetite and digestion. These hormones help to reduce hunger, increase insulin production, and improve insulin sensitivity, while also slowing gastric emptying. As a result, Mounjaro not only helps with weight loss but also supports healthier blood sugar levels.
The drug is available through the NHS for certain patients with obesity or pre-diabetes. However, it can also be obtained privately through a prescription. Researchers at Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, and their academic partners have shared promising results from the Surmount-1 trial, which tracked the progress of 700 participants over 176 weeks. All the trial participants were either obese, overweight, or had pre-diabetes.
The data from the study was presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Málaga, though it has yet to be peer-reviewed.
Three Common Weight Loss Patterns Identified
The study revealed three distinct patterns of weight loss among the participants. These patterns were:
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Slow and steady weight loss
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Moderate and consistent weight loss
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Rapid early loss followed by a plateau
Approximately one-third of the participants fell into each of these categories. The final average weight reductions for the three groups were as follows:
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9.2% for those with slow and steady weight loss
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20.2% for those with moderate and consistent weight loss
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30.8% for those who experienced rapid early loss
Prof Luca Busetto of the University of Padova, who was involved in the study, explained that the speed of weight loss in the early stages could help predict long-term success. “We can now better estimate how much weight someone might lose over time,” he said.
The study also found that participants typically reached their lowest weight after 22 months. On average, they had lost 23.1% of their starting weight. By the end of the study, even those who regained some weight had a net loss of 19.4%. Notably, 70% of participants regained less than 5% of their starting weight after reaching their lowest point.
Implications for Weight Loss Treatments
The results of this trial offer promising insights into the long-term effectiveness of Mounjaro for weight management. Prof Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow highlighted the importance of understanding individual weight loss patterns. This knowledge could help doctors make better decisions about alternative or stronger therapies for patients in the future.
Dr Simon Cork from Anglia Ruskin University also commented on the significance of the study. He pointed out that the long-term effectiveness of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, is particularly important as obesity-related health costs continue to rise. However, current UK guidelines limit the use of weight-loss drugs to a two-year period, while this study tracked the drug’s effectiveness over a much longer term.
Regulatory Concerns Over Marketing of Prescription Drugs
As the popularity of weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro grows, regulatory concerns have surfaced. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in the UK recently reminded companies that advertising prescription-only drugs to the public is illegal. This includes drugs such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda.
The ASA issued this warning in collaboration with the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and the General Pharmaceutical Council. Their concerns primarily focus on online and influencer marketing, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Google. A previous investigation revealed that weight-loss drugs are often being marketed illegally to UK consumers.
This issue has sparked public debates about the ethics of marketing such potent drugs to a broader audience. While these drugs have shown promising results, their misuse or incorrect use can lead to serious health risks, which has led to calls for stricter controls and regulations.
Potential Changes to Drug Guidelines and Access
The findings from the Mounjaro trial, if confirmed through peer review, could lead to changes in medical guidelines and policy. Experts suggest that the data may influence the future accessibility of weight-loss medications and how they are prescribed. The trial results also emphasize the importance of considering long-term weight management strategies for patients battling obesity and pre-diabetes.
As we move forward, there are increasing calls for policies that support effective weight-loss treatments while ensuring patient safety. The growing obesity epidemic, alongside rising healthcare costs, makes finding long-term solutions more urgent. Mounjaro’s potential role in managing obesity could be a key piece of the puzzle in addressing this global health challenge.
Mounjaro’s ability to help people lose weight and maintain those results over three years has the potential to reshape the way we approach obesity and weight management. With its promising long-term results, Mounjaro could be an essential tool for healthcare providers in treating obesity, especially in patients who have struggled with weight loss through traditional methods.
However, as the drug becomes more widely known, the focus will also need to be on ensuring that it is marketed and used appropriately. Regulatory bodies must continue to monitor the promotion of such drugs to prevent misuse and protect public health.