The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved a new indication for weight loss and weight management for the dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, tirzepatide.
Already used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) can now be used, in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for adult patients aged 18 and over, with a BMI of 30kg/m2 or more (obesity), as well as for those with a BMI between 27-30kg/m2 (overweight) who also have weight-related health problems such as prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart problems.
Tirzepatide increases insulin sensitivity and secretion, decreases glucagon secretion and slows gastric emptying, thus increasing sensations of fullness and reducing appetite.
The new weight management indication is based on two studies in overweight and obese adult patients with and without diabetes, which showed that more than 80% of patients taking tirzepatide lost at least 5% of their body weight.
