Tirzepatide: a new treatment for obesity - literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62741/ahrj.v3iSuppl.%202.199Keywords:
Obesity, GIP, GLP-1, Tirzepatide, Twincretin, Anti-obesity drugsAbstract
Introduction: Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization as “excessive fat accumulation that poses a health risk” and is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. GLP-1 receptor agonists improved weight and glycaemic control, leading to development of dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists (twincretins). Tirzepatide was approved in 2022 for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus and in 2023 for obesity treatment.
Objectives: To review the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide in obesity with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus, focusing on clinical trials and weight loss outcomes.
Methodology: A narrative review was conducted between October 2022 and February 2026 using PubMed, ScienceDirect, b-on, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The terms “Obesity,” “Tirzepatide,” “GIP,” “GLP-1,” “Twincretin,” and “Anti-obesity medication” were combined with Boolean operators. Of 283 articles identified, 37 were selected after screening and full-text review. Phase III randomized clinical trials (2021–2025) in adults with overweight or obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus, were included, focusing on the SURPASS and SURMOUNT programmes.
Results: In SURPASS trials, tirzepatide 5–15 mg weekly in type 2 diabetes mellitus reduced weight (5–11 kg), HbA1c (up to 2.8%), and improved cardiometabolic parameters. SURMOUNT showed weight loss of 13–22% in obesity, greater in non-diabetic individuals, benefit with lifestyle intervention, weight regain after discontinuation, and superiority versus semaglutide 2.4 mg. Safety was favorable, with mainly mild to moderate gastrointestinal adverse events and discontinuation rates similar to other incretin therapies.
Conclusion: Tirzepatide is an effective option for obesity, with consistent weight loss and metabolic benefits in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus and a favorable safety profile. Evidence suggests clinical relevance and potential shift in treatment paradigm, although long-term data are needed. A triple agonist targeting GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptors is under investigation.
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