FDA Approves Zepbound: Diabetes Drug Now Treats Obesity
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted its approval for Zepbound, a diabetes drug, to be used in treating obesity as well. Manufactured by Eli Lilly and Co., Zepbound contains an active ingredient called tirzepatide. The drug, known as Mounjaro when used for diabetes treatment, can now be prescribed under the brand name Zepbound for individuals struggling with obesity or overweight conditions accompanied by related underlying conditions like high blood pressure.
Zepbound works similarly to semaglutide, the active ingredient found in Ozempic and Wegovy, two medications produced by Novo Nordisk. However, Zepbound targets two hormones involved in blood sugar control, distinguishing it from semaglutide, which targets only one hormone. Studies indicate that Zepbound can potentially lead to more significant weight loss compared to semaglutide.
Recent research demonstrated that tirzepatide, when combined with a rigorous exercise and diet program, helped individuals with obesity or overweight conditions lose approximately 25% of their body weight. Earlier clinical trials conducted by Eli Lilly showed that participants with type 2 diabetes who were overweight or obese and took Zepbound lost up to 15.7% of their body weight over a 72-week treatment period.
Initially approved to manage diabetes, medications such as Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda have shown the potential for weight loss, prompting their subsequent use in treating obesity. While Wegovy received FDA approval for long-term weight management in overweight or obese individuals in 2021, Saxenda was approved for adults in 2014 and for those aged 12 and older in 2020. Ozempic, however, remains solely approved for diabetes, though some doctors have prescribed it off-label as a weight loss medication.
Obesity specialists increasingly recognize that obesity is a metabolic condition that often necessitates more than just diet and exercise for effective management. Surgery or lifelong medication may be recommended for some individuals dealing with obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 41.9% of adults in the United States are currently living with obesity. This condition poses increased risks for heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer, all of which are prominent causes of preventable premature death, as noted by the CDC.
In summary, Zepbound, a diabetes drug manufactured by Eli Lilly and Co., has received FDA approval to be used for managing obesity alongside related underlying conditions such as high blood pressure. Research suggests that Zepbound, containing the active ingredient tirzepatide, may result in more significant weight loss compared to similar medications. This approval provides another option for individuals struggling with obesity, highlighting the growing recognition that obesity often requires more comprehensive management strategies.
