What was studied?
After an open-label tirzepatide lead-in, 670 participants were randomized either to continue treatment or to switch to placebo for a further 52 weeks.
What did the researchers report?
Continuing treatment maintained and extended the average initial weight reduction. Participants switched to placebo regained substantial weight. Gastrointestinal adverse events remained relevant.
What are the limits?
Randomization occurred after the lead-in, so these results describe people who reached that stage rather than everyone starting treatment. This design does not demonstrate that benefits persist indefinitely after withdrawal.
Original editorial summary by Sulan Peptide. Based on the source abstract; consult the full paper for methods, analyses, funding and disclosures.