Two new analyses from the ongoing SURMOUNT-1 trials, shared ahead of the European Congress on Obesity, offer encouraging insights into the long-term effectiveness of tirzepatide for people with overweight or obesity who do not have diabetes.
Sustained Weight Loss Over Three Years
The first study, led by Professor Louis Aronne (Weill Cornell Medicine), followed 690 participants who remained adherent to tirzepatide treatment for three years. Findings showed that:
- On average, participants lost 23.1% of their body weight at their lowest point (nadir), with a mean weight regain of just 3.7% after three years.
- Around 70% of participants regained 5% or less from their lowest weight.
- Fewer than 10% experienced more than 10% weight regain.
These results suggest that tirzepatide supports a relatively stable weight journey over an extended period—an important consideration given that weight regain is a common challenge in obesity management.
Weight Loss Patterns Identified
The second study, led by Dr Luca Busetto (University of Padova), explored how people respond differently to tirzepatide over three years. The team identified three distinct patterns of weight loss:
- Steady responders who lost around 10% of body weight.
- Moderate responders who lost around 20%.
- High responders who lost about 30% and reached their weight-loss plateau later.
Women and people without obesity-related conditions were more likely to be in the highest responder group. Most participants reached a weight-loss plateau in the first 6–12 months but maintained their results over time.
Both studies reinforce the potential of tirzepatide as a long-term weight management tool, not just for achieving weight loss but for helping people with weight loss maintenance. They also underscore the value of personalised treatment, with some people responding with higher levels of weight loss than others.