Two Weight Loss Drugs Go Head-to-Head

A recent study pitted two popular weight loss drugs against each other. The results showed that Zepbound, made by Eli Lilly, helped people shed nearly 50% more weight than those using Wegovy, from Novo Nordisk. This was the first time these two blockbuster medications faced off in a clinical trial. The study, funded by Eli Lilly, was published in a medical journal. It involved 751 participants from across the U. S. who were either overweight or had obesity, plus at least one other weight-related health issue, but not diabetes. Participants received weekly injections of the highest doses of either Zepbound or Wegovy. The study found that people taking Zepbound lost an average of 50 pounds (22. 8 kilograms) over 72 weeks. Those on Wegovy lost about 33 pounds (15 kilograms). Both drugs work by mimicking hormones in the gut and brain that control appetite and feelings of fullness. However, Zepbound targets two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, while Wegovy targets only GLP-1. This difference might explain why Zepbound was more effective in this trial. The study leader noted that while Zepbound won in terms of weight loss, both drugs are valuable for treating obesity. Not everyone needs the most effective medication. The goal of these drugs is to improve overall health. Participants who took Zepbound lost about 20% of their body weight on average. Those on Wegovy lost nearly 14%. The Zepbound group also saw a greater reduction in waist circumference, losing about 7 inches (17. 8 centimeters) compared to about 5 inches (12. 7 centimeters) with Wegovy. Nearly 32% of people taking Zepbound lost at least a quarter of their body weight, compared to about 16% of those taking Wegovy. Weight loss was slightly lower in men than in women in both groups. As participants lost weight, they saw improvements in health markers like blood pressure, blood fat, and blood sugar levels. Both drugs had side effects, mostly mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues like nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. About 6% of participants taking Zepbound dropped out due to adverse events, compared with 8% of those taking Wegovy. These drugs have become popular, with at least 1 in 8 U. S. adults reporting their use. Access and affordability have been issues, but both manufacturers have recently introduced programs to cut costs. Other factors, like insurance coverage, can also affect access. This week, CVS Health announced that Wegovy will be the preferred option on its standard formulary starting in July. Zepbound will be excluded. Having a range of drugs to treat obesity is crucial. Wegovy has been shown to reduce the risk of serious heart problems by 20%. A drug that works well for one patient might not work for another. Therefore, it's important to have multiple treatment options available. The study highlights the need for personalized approaches to obesity treatment. While Zepbound showed greater weight loss in this trial, both drugs have their place in managing this widespread health issue.