Real-World Effectiveness of Weight-Loss Drugs Lower Than Clinical Trials

A recent U.S. study published in the journal Obesity by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, found that semaglutide and tirzepatide — injectable GLP-1 drugs for obesity — show reduced effectiveness in real-world settings compared to clinical trials.

Key Findings:

• Real-world weight loss outcomes are lower due to:
  • Early or late discontinuation of the medication.
  • Lower maintenance dosages.

Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)

• How it works: Acts like a natural hormone (GLP-1) that helps you feel full and controls blood sugar.
• Benefits:
  • Helps with weight loss
  • Lowers blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes
  • May slightly lower risk of heart problems
• How to take: Once a week injection
• Side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)

• How it works: Acts like two natural hormones (GIP + GLP-1) for stronger effects.
• Benefits:
  • Helps with more weight loss than semaglutide in some people
  • Improves insulin use better
  • May help keep more muscle during weight loss
• How to take: Once a week injection
• Side effects: Similar to semaglutide – stomach issues like nausea or diarrhea

Key Differences:

• Tirzepatide may help lose more weight and keep more muscle
• Semaglutide is still very effective, but works on one hormone, not two.