Real-world titration, persistence & weight loss of semaglutide and tirzepatide in an academic obesity clinic

Abstract

Aims: Trials of the Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP1RAs) found mean weight losses of 15%-21%, yet realworld dose titration and persistence remain suboptimal, limiting effectiveness. This study aims to determine real-world titration, persistence and effectiveness of GLP1RAs in patients managed within a multidisciplinary obesity clinic.

Materials and methods: This is a singlecentre, retrospective cohort study of patients seen in a multidisciplinary obesity clinic at an academic medical centre from January 2022 to December 2024. Consecutive patients aged 18-75 years enrolled in a 'no cost to patient' Medical Weight Loss Bundle program who received ≥1 prescription fill of semaglutide or tirzepatide. Of 2855 enrollees, 2306 (81%) received at least one GLP1RA prescription. The primary outcome was persistence with GLP1RA therapy (continuous prescription fills without a gap ≥84 days). Secondary measures included titration adherence and percentage change in body weight.

Results: Among 2306 patients (median age 46.0 years, Interquartile Ratio [IQR] 38.0-55.0; 85% female; 68% White, 28% Black, 4% Hispanic), with median persistence 10.7 months (IQR 5.4-16.3). Semaglutide was used by 1614 (70%), tirzepatide by 117 (5%), and both agents by 575 (25%). Of semaglutide users, 81% escalated to ≥1 mg and 23% to 2.4 mg; of tirzepatide users, 75% received ≥10 mg and 28% received 15 mg. Among patients persistent for ≥6 months, median weight loss was 9.4% (IQR 6.0%-13.4%); for those persistent for ≥12 months, median weight loss was 14.4% (IQR 9.5%-20.5%).

Conclusions: GLP1RA persistence and dosetitration adherence were moderate but weight loss approximated that seen in clinical trials, supporting real-world effectiveness.

Keywords: GLP‐1 analogue; antiobesity drug; incretin therapy; real‐world evidence.