Obesity presents a major global health challenge and its prevalence is rapidly increasing in China.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has evaluated the efficacy of tirzepatide, a novel medication, in promoting weight loss among Chinese adults with obesity or overweight. This study is particularly relevant given the high incidence of obesity in China, where it is projected that 70.5% of adults will be affected by 2030.
The research was a phase 3, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial conducted across 29 centers in China from September 2021 to December 2022 [1]. It involved 210 participants aged 18 and older with a body mass index (BMI) of 28 or higher or 24 or higher if they had at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as hypertension or dyslipidemia.
Participants were assigned to receive either 10 mg or 15 mg of tirzepatide weekly or a placebo, alongside a lifestyle intervention, for 52 weeks.
The study found that tirzepatide was significantly more effective than placebo in reducing body weight.
Participants receiving 10 mg of tirzepatide experienced an average weight reduction of 13.6% from baseline, while those on 15 mg lost 17.5%. In contrast, the placebo group saw only a 2.3% reduction. Additionally, 87.7% of those on the 10 mg dose and 85.8% on the 15 mg dose achieved at least a 5% reduction in body weight, compared to only 29.3% of the placebo group.
Both dosages of tripeptide also reduced waist circumference and improved other health markers, including blood glucose and cholesterol levels. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and diarrhea, but these were generally mild and did not lead to significant discontinuations [2].
This study stresses the potential of tirzepatide as an effective treatment for weight management in Chinese adults with obesity or overweight, offering a new option in the fight against this escalating health issue.
[1] JAMA Network Open. Tirzepatide for Weight Reduction in Chinese Adults With Obesity. The SURMOUNT-CN Randomized Clinical Trial
[2] Nature Medicine. Tirzepatide after intensive lifestyle intervention in adults with overweight or obesity: the SURMOUNT-3 phase 3 trial
