Scientists compared the two main drugs prescribed against obesity, to see what is best.
The first comparative test of two drugs for successful weight loss showed that the Mounjaro (Tirzepatida), of the pharmacist Eli Lilly, is more effective than his competitor Wegovy (semaglutado) of the new Nordisk.
Both remedies led to a substantial weight loss, but the 20% reduction with Mounjaro, after 72 weeks of treatment, exceeded 14% of Wegovy, according to the results of the study.
The researchers who guided the comparison said that both drugs played a role in the treatment of obesity, but Mounjaro can help more those who need to lose a greater amount of weight.
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy “deceive” the brain and give a feeling of satiety.
Therefore, the patient eats less and instead burns the fat stored in the body.
But thin differences in the way they work explain the difference in effectiveness.
Wegovy or Mounjaro?
Wegovy imitates a hormone released by the body after meals to activate a chemical flag of satiety in the brain.
Mounjaro activates two of these substances that act on the nervous system.
The new research, financed by Eli Lilly (Mounjaro producer) involved 750 obese, with an average weight of 113 kg.
They were selected to take the highest dose that could tolerate one of the two drugs.
The results, presented at the European Congress on obesity, which takes place in Malaga, Spain, and published in the New England Journal of Medicine magazine, showed:
- 32% of people lost a quarter of their body weight with Mounjaro. With Wegovy, this rate was 16%;
- Those who took Mounjaro reduced on average a life of 18 cm, 13 cm from the group that was treated with Wegovy;
- Those who used Mounjaro had better levels of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol;
- Both groups had similar levels of side effects;
- Women have lost more weight than men.
Dr. Louis Aaron, who conducted the study at the Weight Cornell Medicine Weight Control Center in New York, concluded that “most people with obesity will be fine with the traffic light (Wegove)”.
“Those with higher levels of obesity can ultimately go out better with Tirzepatida (Mounjaro),” he compared.
Drugs available from Brazil
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are approved by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) and can be prescribed by doctors in the treatment of obesity.
Tirzepatida, by the way, actually reached Brazilian pharmacies in early May, although it was released since October 2023.
For now, these drugs are not available at the public network, although there are already preliminary discussions on their possible incorporation in the Unified Health System (Sus).
Those who need to make the treatment, therefore, have to pay their pockets an amount that exceeds $ 1,200 per month.
Remember that, since obesity is a chronic disease, these medicines must be taken continuously without interruption.
Since April, Anvisa has also changed the rules on the prescription of the “Penne for weight loss” so called: from now on, medical revenues must be removed in pharmacies.
The goal is to increase control of the use of these substances and, according to the agency, “protect public health from irrational consumption” of these drugs.
Other news for the future?
A large amount of research on weight loss drugs is still in progress.
Several research groups tested higher doses of these remedies and new ways of taking care, as through oral tablets.
There is also the possibility of other active ingredients even more powerful to reach the market in the coming years.
This means that the final winner of obesity therapies has not yet been determined.
Professor Naveed Sattar of the University of Glasgow, in Scotland, says that the amount of research in progress means that we could approach the point where “obesity prevention could also be possible”.
However, according to him, “it would be much better” to make society healthier to prevent more people from developing obesity.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
