Comparing Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide for Weight Loss in Adults with Obesity: JAMA Study

Patients were classified as having type 2 diabetes (T2D) if they had a T2D diagnosis, were prescribed insulin or DPP-4 inhibitors, or had an HbA1c level of 7.5% or higher within the past two years. The study also reviewed patient demographics, clinical comorbidities, use of other antidiabetic medications, anti-obesity medications, and history of bariatric surgery.

The results showed that patients on tirzepatide had significantly more weight loss. At 3 and 12 months, those on tirzepatide experienced greater weight reduction. Among the matched group, 81.8% on tirzepatide vs. 66.5% on semaglutide achieved at least 5% weight loss, 62.1% vs. 37.1% achieved at least 10% weight loss, and 42.3% vs. 18.1% achieved at least 15% weight loss within a year. The hazard ratios for tirzepatide compared to semaglutide were 1.76 for 5% weight loss, 2.54 for 10% weight loss, and 3.24 for 15% weight loss.

The findings revealed that individuals with overweight or obesity treated with tirzepatide were significantly more likely to achieve clinically meaningful weight loss and larger reductions in body weight compared with those treated with semaglutide. Consistent treatment effect estimates were observed in subgroups with and without T2D. Future work is needed to compare the effect of tirzepatide and semaglutide on other key end points.

Reference: Rodriguez PJ, Goodwin Cartwright BM, Gratzl S, et al. Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide for Weight Loss in Adults With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Intern Med. Published online July 08, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.2525