A new study has shed light on how two weight-loss drugs, Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide), compare in terms of effectiveness and side effects. The trial, which involved 751 people taking either the maximum dose of one or the other for a year and three months, found that those taking Zepbound lost more initial body weight (20.2%) compared to those taking Wegovy (13.7%). Zepbound also resulted in greater reductions in waist circumference.
While both medications had similar gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, those taking Zepbound reported more injection-site reactions. However, these tended to decrease with additional injections.
According to Dr. Leonard Glass, one of the study’s co-authors, obesity is a complex condition that cannot be solely measured by weight loss. “It’s not just about weight,” he says.
Dr. Jason Brett, principal U.S. medical head for Novo Nordisk, which makes Wegovy, agrees that weight is not the only metric to consider when evaluating these medications. Wegovy has been approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease in people with a history of heart problems who are overweight or obese.
Both Zepbound and Wegovy have shown promise in reducing the risk of other health complications, such as heart failure, liver symptoms, and obstructive sleep apnea. The companies plan to conduct additional studies, including those following patients after they reach their weight-loss goals, to provide more data on how these drugs can help people maintain a healthy weight.
Oral versions of both medications are expected to become available soon, which could increase accessibility for more patients and provide an option for maintenance therapy.
Source: https://time.com/7284750/weight-loss-drug-wegovy-zepbound