Eli Lilly’s Zepbound Outperforms Wegovy in New Weight Loss Study
Washington (TNND) — In a significant breakthrough for obesity treatment, Eli Lilly’s Zepbound has demonstrated superior weight loss results compared to Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy in a recent head-to-head clinical trial. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study revealed that participants using Zepbound, which contains tirzepatide, lost an average of 50 pounds over 72 weeks, outperforming Wegovy’s average weight loss of 33 pounds.
The trial involved 751 participants from across the U.S. who were overweight or had obesity, alongside other weight-related health issues. Those on Zepbound experienced about a 20% reduction in body weight, while Wegovy users saw nearly a 14% decrease. Notably, nearly 32% of Zepbound participants lost at least 25% of their body weight, compared to only 16% of those on Wegovy. Both medications target appetite-regulating hormones, with Zepbound specifically addressing two hormones — GLP-1 and GIP, while Wegovy targets GLP-1 alone.
The increasing popularity of these weight-loss drugs is noteworthy, coinciding with a reported decline in U.S. obesity rates for the first time in a decade. According to research from KFF, one in eight adults in the U.S. has utilized a weight loss drug, although accessibility and cost remain significant barriers.
On the policy front, discussions around Medicare coverage for these treatments are ongoing amid broader considerations of healthcare costs. President Trump recently issued an executive order aimed at reducing prescription drug prices, indicating potential shifts in how these weight loss medications are covered in the future. The outcome may influence how accessible these vital treatments become for the millions battling obesity in the U.S.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
