Scientists at the Comprehensive Center for Weight Management have found that the drug tirzepatide can improve body composition in a variety of age groups. The research was published in the journal NEJM.
The study included 2539 adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or more (obese) or 27 to 30 kg/m² (overweight) and at least one weight-related complication other than diabetes. They received either trizepatide or placebo subcutaneously (at a dose of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg) weekly for 72 weeks.
Body composition in 160 subjects was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Data were obtained in subgroups aged below 50 years, 50-64.9 years, and 65 years and older. Depending on the age group, fat mass decreased by 33-36% and muscle mass by 10-11%. Thus, only a quarter of the weight lost was muscle mass. This resulted in an overall improvement in body composition. In all age subgroups, the change was almost the same, indicating that there was no excessive loss of muscle mass in the older age groups.
Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 receptor activator. This hormone plays a role in controlling blood sugar levels and regulating body weight. GLP-1 and GLP hormones are secreted by intestinal cells after the person eats. This causes the release of insulin. Tirzepatide increases blood sugar control and satiety by activating both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
The drug is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the USA and the European Union, but has not yet been approved for the treatment of obesity in any country.