What is the norm for weight maintenance on terzepitide (GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist)?

From the Guidelines

The norm for maintenance of weight on tirzepatide typically involves continuing the medication indefinitely at the effective dose that achieved weight loss, commonly 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg weekly via subcutaneous injection, as discontinuation often leads to weight regain 1. To maintain weight loss, it is essential to continue tirzepatide at the full therapeutic dose, as the medication's effects on reducing appetite, increasing satiety, and slowing gastric emptying only persist while taking the medication. Some key points to consider for weight maintenance on tirzepatide include:

• Continuing the medication indefinitely to maintain weight loss, as studies have shown that discontinuation leads to weight regain 1
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including caloric awareness, regular physical activity, and high protein intake, to support weight loss and overall health 1
• Considering the potential benefits of tirzepatide in reducing cardiovascular risk, as seen in studies such as the SURMOUNT-1 trial, which showed a dose-dependent weight-loss benefit with tirzepatide in obese adults without diabetes 1
• Monitoring for potential side effects and adjusting the dose as needed, while also being aware of the potential risks of weight regain if the medication is discontinued or the dose is reduced 1 It is crucial to prioritize the patient's overall health and well-being, including their cardiovascular risk factors, when making decisions about weight maintenance on tirzepatide, and to consider the latest evidence and guidelines, such as those from the European Heart Journal 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Tirzepatide lowers fasting and postprandial glucose concentration, decreases food intake, and reduces body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The norm for weight maintenance on terzepitide (GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist) is not explicitly stated in the drug label. However, it is mentioned that tirzepatide reduces body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

• The exact amount of weight reduction is not specified.
• The drug label does not provide information on weight maintenance, only on weight reduction. 2

From the Research

Weight Maintenance on Tirzepatide

• The norm for weight maintenance on tirzepatide, a GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, has been studied in several clinical trials 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• In the SURMOUNT-4 trial, participants who received tirzepatide for 36 weeks and then continued to receive it for an additional 52 weeks had a mean percent weight change of -5.5% compared to 14.0% for those who received placebo 3.
• The study found that 89.5% of participants who received tirzepatide maintained at least 80% of the weight loss during the lead-in period, compared to 16.6% of those who received placebo 3.
• Another study, SURMOUNT-1, found that tirzepatide resulted in substantial and sustained weight reduction over a 3-year period, with a mean percent change in body weight of -12.3% to -19.7% compared to -1.3% for placebo 4.
• The SURMOUNT-1 trial also found that tirzepatide reduced the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes by 93% compared to placebo 4.

Key Findings

• Tirzepatide has been shown to be effective in maintaining weight loss over time, with significant improvements in weight reduction and cardiometabolic measures compared to placebo 3, 4, 6.
• The most common adverse events associated with tirzepatide were gastrointestinal, and most were mild to moderate in severity 3, 4, 6.
• Tirzepatide has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and insulin secretory responses, and to reduce the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes 4, 5.

Clinical Implications

• Tirzepatide marks a new era in overweight and obesity treatment, enabling many to achieve ≥20% weight loss 7.
• The clinical implications of the SURMOUNT program results suggest that tirzepatide is a valuable treatment option for chronic weight management, with a safety profile similar to GLP-1 receptor agonists 7.