Exploring Adults' Experiences with Tirzepatide for Weight Loss: A Mixed-Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Metabolic Syndrome & Endocrinology
• Pharmacology & Drug Discovery
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Obesity presents significant cardiometabolic risks, necessitating effective weight management strategies.
• Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, demonstrates dose-dependent weight loss in clinical trials.
• Real-world patient experiences with tirzepatide for weight management require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate real-world self-efficacy and patient-reported experiences with tirzepatide in community settings.
• To assess the impact of tirzepatide on weight management beyond clinical trial data.
• To identify factors influencing patient experiences and self-efficacy during tirzepatide therapy.

Main Methods:

• An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study involving adults aged 18-59 using tirzepatide for weight management.
• Quantitative data collected via surveys including the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire (WEL).
• Qualitative data gathered through semi-structured interviews with a subset of participants.

Main Results:

• 91.7% of participants reported weight loss, with high overall eating self-efficacy (WEL score: 91 ± 34).
• Higher self-efficacy associated with female gender, employment, insurance coverage, early therapy, and prior weight-loss attempts (p < 0.05).
• Interviews revealed high satisfaction, improved sleep, energy, mood, and confidence, with generally mild/transient gastrointestinal side effects.

Conclusions:

• Tirzepatide use in routine care is linked to high eating self-efficacy and positive patient-reported outcomes.
• Patient experiences vary with insurance coverage and treatment duration, highlighting the need for integrated behavioral support.
• Addressing medication affordability and providing comprehensive support are crucial for sustaining tirzepatide's benefits.