Experimental drug for obesity reduces weight by more than 20%

Tirzepatide, a new drug still in testing, has reduced the weight of people with obesity by up to 24 kg during phase 3 clinical trials. The drug works by mimicking natural hormones that suppress appetite. Thus, the patient reduces the size of the food portions he receives.

Preliminary results were announced in a memo by drugmaker Lilly, who promised to publish the full study soon, during the medical conference. It needs to go through three more studies before it’s released.

Obesity is a serious health problem, especially in developed countries. However, despite its serious consequences, it may not receive the same attention as other conditions.

Human appetite is controlled by a complex system of hormones that make it difficult for us to adapt to new diets. When there is weight loss, especially in the more severe ones, our sense of fullness also decreases.

On the other hand, the urge to eat becomes more persistent and calorie burning decreases. Due to this imbalance, which can last for months or years, we cannot adapt well to the new diet and we can regain all the fat we have lost at once.

appetite suppressant

That’s why scientists decided to bet on appetite regulation as a weight loss strategy.

In total, 2,500 people in nine countries volunteered to self-inject the drug weekly for 72 weeks. Some of the group also took a placebo so the researchers could assess the true effects of the substance.

Patients receiving the highest doses lost an average of 22% of their body mass, which is equivalent to 24 kg for a person weighing 105 kg. In smaller doses, the loss reached 16 kg. The placebo group lost an average of only 2 kg.

But the drug did cause mild to moderate side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation that needed to be investigated. The new drug must go through three more studies that are already in progress before it can be allowed for sale. Results are expected for next year.