Obesity is estimated to be responsible for approximately 40% of cases of fatty liver disease, a disease that affects 30% of the world’s population. Two weight loss drugs have been marketed in recent years: semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and tirzepatide is a dual agonist that acts on both the GLP-1 receptor and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor. Both compounds have proven useful for weight loss, but no studies have been conducted comparing the efficacy and toxicity of these drugs.
A comparative study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine with 750 obese patients divided into two groups receiving standard doses of semaglutide (1.7 mg or 2.4 mg) or tirzepatide (10 mg or 15 mg). The drugs were administered subcutaneously, once a week for 72 weeks.
Effects according to the type of medicine used
At the end of treatment, a 20.2% weight reduction was observed in patients receiving tirzepatide and 13.7% in the semaglutide group. Regarding kilograms, the mean weight loss was 22.8 kg with tirzepatide and 15 kg with semaglutide. With respect to waist circumference, at the end of treatment the mean reduction was 18.4 cm in patients taking tirzepatide, and 13 cm in those taking semaglutide.
Finally, it was also found that blood pressure has decreased by 10.2 mm Hg and 7.7 mm Hg in the tirzepatide and semaglutide groups, respectively, compared to baseline levels. Side effects were similar in both groups, with nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. In summary, both semaglutide and tirzepatide are effective weight-loss drugs, although tirzepatide is better for achieving this goal.
Dr. Carreño and his medical team at the Foundation use these drugs to treat obesity and fatty liver disease.
