Groundbreaking Study Compares Weight Loss Drugs Mounjaro and Ozempic
A recent study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine offers the first direct comparison between two blockbuster weight loss drugs: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) from Eli Lilly and Ozempic (semaglutide) from Novo Nordisk. The findings reveal that Mounjaro leads to significantly greater weight loss than Ozempic.
Study Details and Findings
Researchers analyzed the medical histories of over 41,000 overweight or obese adults who were prescribed either tirzepatide or semaglutide for the first time. The study included patients with and without type 2 diabetes. Participants taking Mounjaro lost an average of 21% of their weight over 72 weeks, compared to 15% for those on Wegovy (a brand of semaglutide) over 68 weeks. More specifically, Mounjaro users lost 5.9% of their weight after 3 months, 10.1% after 6 months, and 15.3% after one year. In contrast, those on semaglutide lost 3.6%, 5.8%, and 8.3% over the same periods.
Implications and Future Research
While both drugs showed significant weight loss, Mounjaro demonstrated superior results. However, the study did not find major differences in the risk of serious side effects between the two drugs. Researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to compare other health outcomes and to understand the long-term effects of these treatments. A Phase 3 trial by Eli Lilly, comparing both drugs, is expected to conclude in November. Experts also highlight the need to consider other factors such as patient goals, medical needs, and drug tolerance when prescribing these medications.
- The study, which included over 41,000 participants, is the first to directly compare the weight loss effects of Mounjaro and Ozempic. The findings indicate that Mounjaro is more effective in achieving significant weight loss.
- Both Mounjaro and Ozempic are part of a new class of drugs called GLP-1, which mimic a hormone that helps reduce food intake and appetite. Mounjaro also mimics a second hormone, GIP, which may improve the way the body breaks down sugar and fat.
- Despite the promising results, the study had some limitations, such as the inclusion of patients with type 2 diabetes, who often have more difficulty losing weight. Additionally, the study did not provide enough information about the doses at which patients started and progressed.
- Experts agree that while weight loss is an important goal, other health outcomes should also be considered. For instance, semaglutide has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems and complications from kidney disease, while tirzepatide may be a potential treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
