A groundbreaking study has found that the weight-loss drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) helps patients lose significantly more weight than its competitor, Wegovy (semaglutide). Presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the research directly compared the effectiveness of these two medications.
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which is released in the gut after eating and helps curb appetite and slow stomach emptying. However, Mounjaro’s unique dual action also targets a second hormone receptor, GIP, which is believed to amplify its weight-loss effects.
The randomized controlled trial involved 751 adults with obesity but without type 2 diabetes. Participants received weekly doses of either Mounjaro (10mg or 15mg) or Wegovy (1.7mg or 2.4mg) for 72 weeks. The average participant was 45 years old, predominantly female (65%), with a body mass index (BMI) of 39, and all had at least one obesity-related health complication such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or heart disease.
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Results showed that those taking Mounjaro lost an average of 20.2% of their body weight, compared to 13.7% for those on Wegovy. Waist circumference decreased by an average of 18.4cm with Mounjaro, outperforming Wegovy’s 13cm reduction. Additionally, Mounjaro users were more likely to meet their weight loss goals.
Although participants were aware of which drug they received, researchers noted these findings align with previous studies. The trial was sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company, the manufacturer of Mounjaro.
Dr. Louis Aronne of Weill Cornell Medicine, who led the study, explained, “Tirzepatide’s ability to activate both GIP and GLP-1 receptors likely contributes to its superior weight reduction compared to semaglutide, which targets only GLP-1.” Beyond weight loss, participants also experienced improvements in blood pressure and blood lipid levels, indicating broader health benefits.
As Mounjaro continues to demonstrate enhanced effectiveness, it may redefine obesity treatment by offering patients a more powerful option for sustainable weight management.