New Delhi: Popular anti-obesity injectables like semaglutide (marketed as Wegovy and Ozempic) and tirzepatide (sold as Zepbound and Mounjaro) have been widely praised for their significant impact on weight loss and diabetes management. However, a US study shows that the real-world performance of weight loss drugs is not as good as clinical trial results. Obesity Journal carries a study on the same topic led by a Cleveland Clinic expert. The study anaylsed data from 7900 adults using GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity management between 2021 to 2023. In the study, most of the patients had a BMI of over 39, which classified them as severely obese. 1320 participants were also diabetic, which placed them in the high-risk type-2 diabetes group.
Key findings: Reduced weight loss outside clinical trials
According to Dr. Gasoyan, patients in everyday clinical practice tend to lose less weight than those in controlled clinical trials. One major reason appears to be that many patients either stop the treatment early or do not continue at recommended maintenance dosages. The study found that:
It was found that people who discontinued the pill within three months lost only 3.6% of their body weight, and those who stopped after 3-12 months saw a 6.8% drop in their weight. Those who continued for a whole year lost 11.9% of their weight. But people who had a higher maintenance dose experienced the best results. Patients who took full doses of semaglutide lost 13.7% of their weight, and those on tirzepatide witnessed an 18% drop in weight.
Impact on blood sugar levels in pre-diabetic patients
The study also looked into the impact of these drugs on blood sugar regulation among pre-diabetic individuals. Among those who continued their injections for a year, nearly 68% returned to normal glucose levels.
In the study, another comparison found that only 33% of dropouts showed improvement, thereby highlighting the importance of adhering to treatment norms.
What are the reasons for discontinuing treatment?
A concern was raised by research teams regarding the high rate of discontinuation of treatment. Approximately 20% of the participants stopped taking the medication within three months, and another 32% gave it up between 3 to 12 months. Common reasons were:
- Side effects
- Drug supply shortage
- Costly medication
- Insurance limitations
Do you need to worry about the real-world results?
The real-world results surely have been concerning. However, they do not imply that the drugs are ineffective. Unlike clinical trials, in this case, participants face issues that can come in the way of regular medication use, which is essential for achieving desired results like a healthier BMI and better metabolic outcomes. The study highlights the importance of affordable healthcare and supportive medical systems.
According to Dr. Gasoyan, patients in everyday clinical practice tend to lose less weight than those in controlled clinical trials. One major reason appears to be that many patients either stop the treatment early or do not continue at recommended maintenance dosages. The study found that: Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
