### Weight Loss Effects of Tirzepatide in High-Risk Type 2 Diabetes Patients Recent clinical trials have shown that people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes can lose an average of more than 18% of their body weight by taking the weight loss drug tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro. When combined with 12 weeks of diet and exercise before starting the medication, the total weight loss can reach up to 26.6% of body weight, which is more than 60 pounds on average, in less than 2 years. This level of weight loss is comparable to some bariatric surgeries and exceeds the results of other weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. However, it's important to note that nearly 18% of participants did not lose at least 5% of their body weight during the diet and exercise phase and were therefore not eligible to continue with the medication. This exclusion may have inflated the average weight loss results. The study, published in Nature Medicine, involved 579 participants who took either tirzepatide or a placebo over 17 months. The average age of participants was 46 years, with 63% being women and 86% being White. Participants had an average starting weight of over 240 pounds and had met obesity criteria for about 15 years. They also had a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher and at least one other weight-related complication, such as high blood pressure. During the initial 12-week phase, participants followed a reduced-calorie diet, engaged in 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, and attended counseling sessions. The most common side effects of the medication were mild to moderate digestive issues. Tirzepatide works similarly to semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite. However, these medications can be expensive, costing at least $900 per month, and are often difficult to obtain due to supply shortages.