Tirzepatide: What the Clinical Trials Show
Tirzepatide is one of the medications our licensed physicians may consider when evaluating a patient for an appetite program. This article summarizes key findings from the SURMOUNT-1 Phase 3 clinical trial. Individual results vary.
The SURMOUNT-1 Trial: Background
SURMOUNT-1 was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2022:
Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity." New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;387:205–216.
doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
Who Was in the Trial?
SURMOUNT-1 enrolled 2,539 adults with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Participants with type 2 diabetes were excluded. All participants received lifestyle counselling — a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity guidance — throughout the 72-week study period.
What the Trial Measured
The co-primary endpoints were: (1) percentage change in body weight from baseline to week 72, and (2) the proportion of participants achieving at least 5% weight reduction. The trial tested three doses: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg, each administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection.
What the Trial Found
As reported in Jastreboff et al. (2022). Individual results vary.
In SURMOUNT-1, tirzepatide (marketed as Zepbound®) produced mean weight reduction at week 72 of 15.0% at 5 mg, 19.5% at 10 mg, and 20.9% at 15 mg, compared with 3.1% for placebo. These results apply to Zepbound® as studied and do not apply to compounded tirzepatide. Individual results vary.
Proportion achieving ≥5% weight reduction: 85% (5 mg), 89% (10 mg), 91% (15 mg) vs. 35% placebo. Individual results vary.
All figures above are taken directly from Jastreboff et al., NEJM, 2022. Individual results vary.
What Makes Tirzepatide Different
Unlike semaglutide, which acts solely on the GLP-1 receptor, tirzepatide is a dual agonist that activates both the GLP-1 receptor and the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor. The dual mechanism is believed to contribute to the weight loss outcomes observed in SURMOUNT-1, though the relative contribution of each receptor pathway is still an area of ongoing research.
FDA Approval
The FDA approved tirzepatide (brand name Zepbound) for chronic weight management based on data including the SURMOUNT program. See: FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management.
What This Means for Our Program
A licensed physician at Bunny will determine whether tirzepatide is medically appropriate for you — and at what dose — based on your individual health profile. The decision rests with your doctor, not a quiz or a default protocol.
All medical decisions are made solely by licensed healthcare professionals. Medications are prescribed only when medically necessary. GLP-1 medications are not suitable for everyone. Results may vary.
Results vary. Clinical trial results apply only to the FDA-approved branded medication specifically identified and do not apply to compounded medications. All medications must be prescribed by a licensed provider based on medical necessity.