With the popularization of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, our clinicians at Dignity Weight Center will discuss the options available to you to make evidence-based decisions with you for your health.

In this article, we will highlight the three GLP-1 medications approved for weight loss and the corresponding outcomes based on the research:

1. Tirzepatide (Zepbound)

Highlight:

Zepbound is the newest GLP-1 on the block, with its clinical trial showing the most significant effects on weight loss to date.

Research:

The SURMOUNT trial looked at weight loss in people with obesity receiving a once-weekly injection of tirzeptatide (Zepbound) over 18 months (72 weeks).

Weight Loss:

The average percent weight loss from patients’ starting weight after these 18 months at each maintenance dose was:

- 15% weight loss from baseline body weight at the 5mg dose

-19.5% weight loss from baseline body weight at the 10mg dose

-20.9% weight loss from baseline body weight at the 15mg dose (maximum dose)

By contrast, the control group saw an average 3.1% weight loss compared to their baseline weight at 72 weeks.

2. Semaglutide (Wegovy)

Highlight: This is one of the most well-known GLP-1s – it has the same main ingredient as the brand name Ozempic which is only approved for use in Type 2 Diabetes. However, Wegovy is prescribed at a higher maintenance dose and is approved for weight loss.

Research:

The STEP trials assessed weight loss in people with obesity receiving a once-weekly injection of semaglutide (Wegovy) over 17 months (68 weeks).

Weight Loss:

The average percent weight loss from patients’ starting weight after these 17 months at the maintenance dose was:

-15% weight loss from baseline body weight at 68 weeks at the 2.4mg dose

-In a two year follow up study, those who continued to take semaglutide at the 2.4mg dose were able to maintain an average of 15.2% of their initial weight.

By contrast, the control group saw an average 2.9% weight loss compared to their baseline weight at the two year point.

3. Liraglutide (Saxenda)

Highlight:

Saxenda is the daily injection as opposed to a weekly injection. Currently, all GLP1 medications approved for weight loss are brand-named (which increases their cost), but a generic version of liraglutide is expected to be released in June of 2024.

Research:

The SCALE trial assessed weight loss outcomes in people with obesity receiving a once-daily injection of liraglutide over 14 months (56 weeks).

Weight Loss:

The average percent weight loss from patients’ starting weight after these 14 months at the maintenance dose was:

-8% weight loss from baseline body weight at 56 weeks at the 3.0mg dose

By contrast, the control group saw an average 2.6% weight loss compared to their baseline weight at the 56-week point.

Summary:

So which medication is best? Despite the differences in weight outcomes in each of these trials, the best medication for you depends on your insurance coverage, medication cost, access to the medication supply in your area, and response to side effect profile.

If you are interested in learning more about metabolic health and weight loss, please consult us at Dignity Weight Center! We would be honored to meet you, and we take most insurances!

If you are interested in learning more about metabolic health and weight loss, please consult us at Dignity Weight Center. We would be honored to meet you, and we accept most insurances.

References

• Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, Kiyosue A, Zhang S, Liu B, Bunck MC, Stefanski A; SURMOUNT-1 Investigators. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jul 21;387(3):205-216. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038. Epub 2022 Jun 4. PMID: 35658024.
• Garvey WT, Batterham RL, Bhatta M, Buscemi S, Christensen LN, Frias JP, Jódar E, Kandler K, Rigas G, Wadden TA, Wharton S; STEP 5 Study Group. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nat Med. 2022 Oct;28(10):2083-2091. doi: 10.1038/s41591-022-02026-4. Epub 2022 Oct 10. PMID: 36216945; PMCID: PMC9556320.
• Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, Greenway F, Halpern A, Krempf M, Lau DC, le Roux CW, Violante Ortiz R, Jensen CB, Wilding JP; SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes NN8022-1839 Study Group. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. N Engl J Med. 2015 Jul 2;373(1):11-22. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1411892. PMID: 26132939.