Drug approved to treat T2D can help counter obesity

An Eli Lilly's drug – tirzepatide (Mounjaro), which is used for treating type 2 diabetes (T2D), has been detected with an off-label advantage. It helps patients lose up to 16% of their body weight over 17 months. 

Experts have stated that this agent drug can become the most effective in treating obesity, which is a growing concern in developing and developed nations. The drug is also likely to improve patients’ health and reduce the need for polypharmacy for may; for instance – use of drugs for gastric reflux, diabetes, and hypertension. Further, tirzepatide could outpace other obesity medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, with the annual predicted sales to exceed $50 billion. 

This agent uses the action of two hormones – glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), to accentuate appetite suppression and aids in curbing cravings. However, this drug may cause side effects like abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gallbladder issues, nausea, pancreatitis, vomiting, and thyroid tumors or cancer.