Tag: Obesity

In the first half of 2025, the combined sales of tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound, reached over $14.7 billion, solidifying its position as the clear answer to the question, **what is the flagship drug of Eli Lilly?**. The dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist has transformed the treatment landscape for both Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

In a study published in *JAMA*, participants who stopped taking tirzepatide (Zepbound) regained about half the weight they had lost within a year. This highlights a key question for many patients: **Can you ever get off of tirzepatide?** While it is possible to stop, the process requires careful management to mitigate the high likelihood of a rebound effect.

In clinical trials, participants on retatrutide, a triple-agonist, experienced significant weight loss, with some losing an average of 24% of their body weight over 48 weeks. However, the patient experience is more than just the numbers on the scale. This deep dive addresses the question: **how does retatrutide make you feel?**, detailing both the intended metabolic benefits and the common side effects that occur as the body adapts to the medication.

Clinical trial data from the SURMOUNT program revealed that participants on tirzepatide (Mounjaro) experienced significant and sustained weight reduction over 72 weeks, with an average loss of up to 22.5% on the highest dose. However, for many patients, the initial rapid weight loss eventually slows or halts, leading to the common question: does Mounjaro stop working after a while? This period, known as a plateau, is a normal physiological response and does not mean the medication has failed.

Clinical trials and real-world evidence suggest that Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is intended for long-term management of chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Is it safe to be on Mounjaro long-term? The answer relies heavily on continuous medical supervision, careful risk management, and the individual patient's health profile.

Clinical trial data from the SURMOUNT-4 study showed that participants who discontinued tirzepatide regained a substantial amount of the weight they had lost. This highlights the critical question: **Will I need to take tirzepatide forever?**

In a 72-week clinical trial, participants taking the highest dose of Zepbound achieved a mean weight loss of 20.2%, exceeding the results seen with other single-agonist drugs. This remarkable efficacy stems from what makes Zepbound different: its innovative dual-action pharmacology.

In recent clinical trials, the combination of topiramate and metformin resulted in significantly greater mean weight loss than metformin with a placebo in patients with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This synergistic approach leverages the unique properties of each drug to address complex metabolic and weight management issues in a single regimen. Doctors may recommend this combination for individuals who have not achieved adequate results with single-drug therapies and lifestyle changes alone.

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it is a medication that was designed to mimic the effects of the natural GLP-1 hormone in the body. By activating GLP-1 receptors in key areas of the body, Wegovy helps control appetite and blood glucose, leading to significant weight loss and improved metabolic health.

Launched in the UK in September 2023, Wegovy (semaglutide) is now available for weight management. But **can Wegovy be prescribed for weight loss in the UK** through both NHS and private routes? Yes, but strict eligibility criteria apply depending on the pathway.