New obesity drug is a “game-changer” according to experts

File / eExtra News

A new drug made by drugmaker Eli Lilly to treat diabetes has proven to help obese and overweight patients lose up to 22.5 percent of their body weight in clinical trials. The study lasted 72 weeks and involved 2,539 patients who were either obese or overweight, with at least one underlying condition that was not diabetes.

In fact, according to a news release by Eli Lilly, those who took the highest dose of the experimental drug lost about 52 pounds, or 22.5 percent. Those on the lowest dose lost about 35 pounds, or 16 percent, and those who took the placebo lost only 5 pounds or 2.4 percent.

The drug is called Tirzepatide and is taken once a week by injection. It’s part of a new class of medications called incretins, or gut hormones, that help curb the appetite and make you feel full longer. It’s currently under regulatory review for the treatment of diabetes and the most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation.

The next step is for the experimental drug to be peer-reviewed.