Hormonal
Treatment with maximal-tolerated dose tirzepatide (10-15 mg weekly) for 72 weeks produces substantial weight loss and health risk reduction, but typically fails to return average Class II obese individuals to the healthy BMI (<25 kg/m2) or healthy Body Roundness Index (BRI) ranges.
If you are taking tirzepatide at a high dose, expect significant health improvements and weight loss, but do not expect to automatically reach a 'healthy' BMI of under 25. The average patient in the major trials remains in the overweight or obese category even after a year. Focus on the reduction in health risks (like visceral fat/BRI) rather than just hitting a specific BMI number.
Developed images revealed clear excess adiposity and high health-risk (BRI) at baseline with marked improvements, although not to within the healthy BMI (<25 kg/m2) and BRI ranges at 72 weeks, observations not evident in the published report.
Why this rating
Based on a pivotal Phase 3 trial (Surmount 1) with high retention rates, though this specific node relies on a post-hoc visual analysis rather than primary endpoint data.
Source
Visual demonstration of weight loss and health risk improvement with a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist
Sophia Ramirez et al. · International Journal of Obesity · 2025
DOI 10.1038/s41366-025-01842-1
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