A long-term trial of the weight loss drug Mounjaro has found that users can maintain significant weight reduction for at least three years. The medication, known as the 'King Kong' of weight loss drugs, contains tirzepatide and is administered via weekly injections. It works by mimicking hormones that suppress appetite and increase insulin production.
The study, conducted by Eli Lilly and academic researchers, analysed data from 700 participants with obesity or overweight and pre-diabetes over 176 weeks. Results showed three distinct weight loss patterns: steady, medium, or rapid loss, followed by a plateau. Final average body weight reductions were 9.2%, 20.2%, and 30.8% for each group, respectively.
A second analysis revealed that participants reached their lowest weight after an average of 22 months, losing 23.1% of their starting weight. By the end of the study, despite some regain, they maintained an average loss of 19.4%. Notably, 70% regained less than 5% of their starting weight after hitting their lowest point.
Professor Luca Busetto from the University of Padova noted that the speed of early weight loss can help predict total final loss. Professor Naveed Sattar of the University of Glasgow added that this could guide decisions on using more potent therapies in future.
The findings come as the Advertising Standards Authority, alongside other regulators, warned businesses against advertising prescription-only weight loss jabs, including Mounjaro, on social media and search engines. This follows concerns over illegal promotions targeting British consumers.
