Short-term effects of low-dose tirzepatide on lipid profile, glucose homeostasis and hepatic steatosis index in adults with obesity, but without diabetes mellitus: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Tirzepatide has been approved for weight loss in adults with obesity. However, real-world data are still needed. This real-world prospective study is among the first to evaluate the short-term metabolic effects of low-dose tirzepatide in adults with obesity but without diabetes mellitus (DM). Secondary endpoints included associations between these changes and anthropometric or baseline metabolic parameters.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, adults with obesity but without diabetes mellitus received tirzepatide (2.5 mg/week, escalating to 5 mg/week, subcutaneously) for 12 weeks. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), total (TC), low-density (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and hepatic steatosis index (HSI) were measured at baseline and week 12.

RESULTS

Seventy-five participants (mean age 46.9 ± 9.9 years) were included. After 12 weeks, body weight (-8.1 ± 4.3 %) and BMI significantly decreased. TC, LDL-C, triglycerides, FPG, HbA1c, and HSI were significantly reduced and inversely associated with their baseline levels. HbA1c and HSI changes correlated with weight loss. No effect was observed on HDL-C. Statin use had no impact on outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Short-term low-dose tirzepatide improves the lipid profile, HbA1c, and HSI in obese adults without DM, especially in those with abnormal baseline values. Lipid changes occurred independently of weight loss.