The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval on Wednesday for Eli Lilly\u2019s Mounjaro, or tirzepatide, to be used in the treatment of obesity and chronic weight management. This GLP-1 agonist<\/a> has been shown to achieve weight loss results similar to bariatric surgery. It will now be available for weight loss as Zepbound.<\/p>\n Of the decision, the FDA\u2019s director of the division of diabetes, lipid disorders and obesity, Dr. John Sharretts said, \u201cObesity and overweight are serious conditions that can be associated with some of the leading causes of death such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. In light of increasing rates of both obesity and overweight in the United States, today\u2019s approval addresses an unmet medical need.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Tirzepatide, known under the brand name Mounjaro, <\/a>was approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes in May 2022. The drug has since been used off label for weight loss and weight management, similarly to other medications like Wegovy and Ozempic<\/a>. It works by activating two hormones that slow gastric emptying, leading to feeling full longer and quieting \u201cfood noise.\u201d<\/p>\n According to New York endocrinologist\u00a0Barrie Weinstein, MD medical director of\u00a0Well by Messer, this approval is more than warranted. \u201cI have been eagerly awaiting the FDA approval of Tirzepatide for weight loss since it was released during the summer of 2022 with a diabetes indication,\u201d she explains.\u00a0\u201cI have seen remarkable weight loss results with off-label use.\u00a0There is a current shortage of both Wegovy and Saxenda, so I am very excited to have another medication to add to my toolbox.\u201d<\/p>\n Eli Lilly says they plan to release the drug under the name Zepbound. Like Mounjaro, it is administered via weekly injection, with dosing gradually increasing over four to 20 weeks. <\/p>\n Baton Rouge, LA\u00a0obesity expert and senior director of clinical product strategy at\u00a0Ro, Raoul Manalac, MD says the approval may lead to greater insurance coverage and gives patients another option to help achieve their weight and health goals. \u201cThe clinical trials of\u00a0Zepbound\u00a0indicate that average weight loss results may be even more significant than Ozempic or Wegovy, with patients losing as much as 25 percent of their body weight, broadening the accessibility and efficacy of this life-changing class of medications for patients who need them.\u201d<\/p>\n Obesity and lipid specialist Dr. Spencer Nadolsky,\u00a0who serves as medical director for <\/strong>WeightWatchers says the approval of Zepbound will benefit countless people. \u201cThis is a significant development in the field of obesity treatment with the FDA recognizing the impact found in weight loss for those prescribed this medication. Tirzepatide is by far the most powerful drug we have to date for weight management, with an average body weight loss achievement demonstrated over 20 percent when taken for 72 weeks and even more when taken longer.\u201d<\/p>\n He notes that this is encouraging for clinicians as well. \u201dIt is also important to note\u2014 this is not a quick fix, as FDA labeling across all GLP-1 agonists for weight management states\u2014 behavior modifications are still necessary to incorporate alongside clinical interventions for weight loss and weight management,\u201d he adds. \u201cThis includes specific attention to a nutrient-dense diet, fluids, and movement like resistance training.\u201d<\/p>\n This approval was granted based on results of two late-stage trials conducted over a 72-week period. Zepbound was found to be effective for managing weight in adults with obesity or overweight and weight-related conditions when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. <\/p>\n The studies involved 2,519 patients who received Zepbound at doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg once weekly, as well as 958 patients who received a placebo once weekly, demonstrated significant weight reduction after 72 weeks. Patients on Zepbound experienced greater weight loss and a higher percentage achieving at least 5 percent weight reduction compared to those on placebo. In one of the trials, those receiving the highest dose lost an average of 18 percent of their body weight if they didn\u2019t have diabetes and 12 percent if they had type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\nWhat is Tirzepatide?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
A New Name<\/h2>\n
A Changing Landscape<\/h2>\n
Clinical Trials<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Potential Side Effects<\/h2>\n