Research

Hormonal

GLP-1 analogues (e.g., semaglutide) and dual agonists (e.g., tirzepatide) produce robust weight loss (15-21%) that approaches or exceeds bariatric surgery efficacy, with potential independent cardiovascular benefits beyond weight loss.

For patients with obesity who have not achieved sufficient weight loss with lifestyle changes alone, consider GLP-1 analogues like semaglutide (2.4 mg weekly) or dual agonists like tirzepatide. These medications can produce 15-21% weight loss, approaching the efficacy of bariatric surgery, and may offer independent cardiovascular benefits.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
newer medications such as semaglutide and those in development, such as tirzepatide, produce robust weight loss efficacy that is approaching that of bariatric surgery... some therapies – such as glucagon-like-peptide-1 analogues – may promote these benefits independently of weight loss.
Donna H. Ryan et al. · Cardiovascular Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2023

Why this rating

Supported by phase 3 trial data (STEP, SURMOUNT) and post-hoc analyses, though long-term CVOTs for some are still underway.

Source

Prioritizing obesity treatment: expanding the role of cardiologists to improve cardiovascular health and outcomes

Donna H. Ryan et al. · Cardiovascular Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2023

DOI 10.1097/xce.0000000000000279

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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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