Efficacy and weight loss speed
Others are losing weight faster. Does that mean my treatment is not working?
Research has found that early response is related to subsequent weight loss, but treatment cannot be deemed ineffective just because weight loss is slower than others.
Everyone loses weight at a different rate. During the follow-up visit, weight, food intake and side effects should be assessed together, not just a few kilograms lost.
Study how to compare fast and slow weight loss?
This SURMOUNT-5 analysis grouped participants taking tirzepatide (Mounjaro) or semaglutide (Wegovy) by whether they lost at least 15% of their weight during the first 24 weeks. This was a research classification—not a target every patient must reach within six months.
People who react faster in the early stage have a higher proportion of reaching the target in the later stage.
By week 72, people who responded faster in the early stage had a higher proportion of achieving various weight loss ranges. However, this can only show that the two are related, and cannot be used to conclude that there is no therapeutic effect if the early stage is slow.
You cannot speed up the dosage on your own because of this.
This is a group analysis of the original experimental data, and we are not randomly asked to lose weight faster or slower. The rapid response group reported a large number of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary adverse events, but it cannot be judged that they are all caused by the speed of weight loss, nor can this study be used to support accelerating the dosage increase on one's own.
When returning to the clinic, first look at your own changes
Write down your weight, current dosage, appetite and discomfort over the past few weeks. If the effect is not as good as expected, you can discuss the reasons and next steps with your doctor; there is no need to forcefully eat less or increase the dosage on your own just to catch up with others.
Based on my current treatment progress and physical condition, is this change reasonable? What needs to be adjusted?
Original document
- Aronne LJ et al., 2026, SURMOUNT-5 post hoc analysis original paper ↗
- Author Affiliations Weill Cornell School of Medicine: Research Abstract ↗
This article summarizes research results and care reminders and cannot replace individual diagnosis and treatment. The drugs or uses under study may not have been approved in Taiwan. Please do not change the medication or adjust the dosage accordingly.