Tirzepatide in Obesity Management: Efficacy and Safety - Insights From Recent Clinical Trials

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide, a dual agonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, in promoting weight loss in patients with obesity. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles published between 2020 and 2024. Keywords included tirzepatide, LY3298176, tirzepatide obesity, tirzepatide side effects, and tirzepatide adverse effects. Studies included were randomized, placebo-controlled, and involved patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m² or ≥ 27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Results: Analysis covered 5,385 participants from phase 2 and 3 trials, with 3,517 treated with tirzepatide and 1,868 receiving placebo. Tirzepatide demonstrated significant weight reduction across studies: SURMOUNT-1 (15.0%, 19.5%, 20.9% weight loss for 5, 10, 15 mg doses respectively), SURMOUNT-2 (12.8%, 14.7% for 10, 15 mg doses), NASH SYNERGY (10.7%, 13.3%, 15.6% for 5, 10, 15 mg doses), and SURMOUNT-OSA (17.7%, 19.6% for maximum tolerated dose). Adverse effects were mostly gastrointestinal, with nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting being the most common, leading to a discontinuation rate of 4.6%. Conclusions: Tirzepatide demonstrates superior efficacy in weight management compared to existing treatments, with an acceptable safety profile. Its dual agonist action offers a promising therapeutic option for obesity, warranting further research into its long-term benefits and impacts on obesity-related comorbidities.