20.9% Mean Weight Change at Week 72 in the SURMOUNT-1 Trial
Trial Design and Participants
The New England Journal of Medicine published the SURMOUNT-1 trial in 2022, which enrolled 2539 adults with obesity or with overweight plus a weight-related complication, for 72 weeks including a 20-week dose-escalation period.
This trial is notable for its large participant pool and extended duration, allowing for a thorough examination of the effects of tirzepatide on weight change.
Weight Change Outcomes
The trial found that mean weight change at week 72 was -15.0% on the lowest tirzepatide arm, -19.5% on the middle arm and -20.9% on the highest arm, against -3.1% on placebo.
A weight reduction of 20% or more was reached by 57% on the highest arm against 3% on placebo, demonstrating a significant difference in weight loss between the tirzepatide arms and the placebo group.
Adverse Events and Discontinuation
Adverse events led to discontinuation in 4.3%, 7.1% and 6.2% across the three tirzepatide arms and 2.6% on placebo, as reported in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2022.
The trial's findings on adverse events and discontinuation rates provide important information for understanding the potential risks associated with tirzepatide.
Implications of the Trial Findings
Most peptides, including tirzepatide, are prescription-only medicines in Australia, and the SURMOUNT-1 trial's results have been compared with those of semaglutide, another peptide.
The trial's outcomes, such as the mean weight change of -20.9% on the highest tirzepatide arm, have contributed to the comparison between tirzepatide and semaglutide, with 1 key study being the SURMOUNT-1 trial involving 2539 adults over 72 weeks.
Most peptides are prescription-only medicines in Australia. This article reports published research and regulation for general education and is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor.