Bottom line After a comprehensive review, the FDA reported that it did not find an increased risk of suicidal ideation or behavior associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists and requested removal of that warning from labeling for Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound. This is reassuring, but new depression, suicidal thoughts, or major behavioral change still requires
Bottom line In the 72-week SURMOUNT-5 trial, tirzepatide produced greater average weight loss than semaglutide in adults with obesity or overweight without diabetes. That establishes greater average efficacy under the trial conditions. It does not make tirzepatide the best choice for every patient because treatment selection also depends on indication, contraindications, tolerability, coverage, cardiovascular
Bottom line Some lean mass is usually lost during substantial weight reduction, whether weight loss occurs through medication, diet, or surgery. In the SURMOUNT-1 body-composition substudy, about 75% of the weight lost with tirzepatide (Zepbound) was fat mass and about 25% was lean mass. Lean mass is not identical to skeletal muscle, and preserving strength
Stopping an effective GLP-1 medication often allows appetite and weight-regulating biology to re-emerge. The evidence supports planning maintenance before treatment ends.
On December 20, 2024, the FDA approved Zepbound (tirzepatide) as the first and only prescription medication for adults with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity. This makes Zepbound the only drug in history to be approved specifically for OSA — a condition that affects an estimated 30 million Americans and has, until now, been
GLP-1 weight loss medications have evolved from ~15% weight loss with semaglutide (Wegovy 2.4 mg) to ~20%+ with higher-dose semaglutide (7.2 mg) and dual agonists like tirzepatide (Zepbound). Tirzepatide still shows slightly higher peak results, but high-dose Wegovy significantly narrows the gap, giving clinicians two viable paths to achieve near–bariatric-level weight loss. The Big Shift:
