Tirzepatide for Weight Loss: How Many Kilos Is It Possible to Lose?

 

**Please be advised:** While I can process and respond to your request for information relevant to the USA, my internal system settings indicate your current location context is Belo Horizonte, Brazil (as of April 15, 2025, 12:45:32 PM -03). The information provided below focuses on clinical study results reviewed by the US FDA and uses units (pounds, lbs) common in the USA.

 

Okay, let’s break down the weight loss results seen with Tirzepatide in clinical trials, addressing the question **”How Much Weight Is It Possible to Lose?”** specifically within the **USA context**. The primary brand for weight loss in the US is **Zepbound®**.

 

It’s crucial to understand that while Tirzepatide is highly effective, weight loss results are presented as **averages** from large clinical trials reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). **Individual results will vary** based on starting weight, dosage, adherence to medication, consistency with diet and exercise changes, and individual biological factors. The goal should be achieving *clinically significant* weight loss for health benefits, rather than aiming for a specific “ideal weight” number, which is subjective.

 

**Weight Loss Results in Clinical Trials (SURMOUNT Program – FDA Reviewed):**

 

The SURMOUNT clinical trial program provided the main evidence for Zepbound’s FDA approval for chronic weight management. Here’s what the key studies found:

 

**1. SURMOUNT-1 (Participants *without* Type 2 Diabetes):**

This large, 72-week study looked at adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27) with at least one weight-related condition. Participants combined weekly Tirzepatide injections with diet and exercise counseling.

 

* **Average Weight Loss (Percentage of Body Weight):**

    * Placebo Group: Lost an average of **~3.1%**

    * Zepbound 5 mg Group: Lost an average of **~15.0%**

    * Zepbound 10 mg Group: Lost an average of **~19.5%**

    * Zepbound 15 mg Group (Highest Dose): Lost an average of **~20.9%**

* **Average Weight Loss (in Pounds):** Based on an average starting weight of about 231 lbs in the trial:

    * Placebo Group: Lost an average of **~7 lbs**

    * Zepbound 5 mg Group: Lost an average of **~34-35 lbs**

    * Zepbound 10 mg Group: Lost an average of **~49 lbs**

    * Zepbound 15 mg Group: Lost an average of **~52 lbs**

* **Responder Rates (Achieving Milestones on 15mg Dose):** These show how many people achieved certain levels of weight loss:

    * Lost ≥ 5% body weight: **~91%** (vs. 35% on placebo)

    * Lost ≥ 15% body weight: **~70-71%** (vs. 9% on placebo)

    * Lost ≥ 20% body weight: **~57%** (vs. 3% on placebo)

    * Lost ≥ 25% body weight: **~36%** (vs. 1.5% on placebo) – Meaning over a third of participants on the highest dose lost a quarter or more of their starting weight.

 

**2. SURMOUNT-2 (Participants *with* Type 2 Diabetes):**

This 72-week trial looked at adults with obesity or overweight who also had Type 2 Diabetes (a group for whom weight loss can often be more challenging).

 

* **Average Weight Loss (Percentage of Body Weight):**

    * Placebo Group: Lost an average of **~3.2% – 3.3%**

    * Zepbound 10 mg Group: Lost an average of **~12.8% – 13.4%**

    * Zepbound 15 mg Group: Lost an average of **~14.7% – 15.7%**

* **Average Weight Loss (in Pounds):** Based on an average starting weight of about 222 lbs in the trial:

    * Placebo Group: Lost an average of **~7 lbs**

    * Zepbound 10 mg Group: Lost an average of **~28-30 lbs**

    * Zepbound 15 mg Group: Lost an average of **~33-34 lbs**

* **Responder Rates:** Still significant, though slightly lower than the non-diabetic group. On the 15mg dose, approx. 83% lost ≥5%, and ~48-52% lost ≥15%.

 

**3. Weight Loss Maintenance (SURMOUNT-4):**

This study showed that after achieving significant weight loss (~21%) over 36 weeks on Tirzepatide, those who *continued* the medication lost an additional ~5.5% over the next year (total ~25% loss from start). Those who switched to placebo *regained* ~14% of their weight. This highlights that continuous treatment is generally needed to maintain the weight loss achieved.

 

**Key Factors Influencing *Your* Potential Weight Loss:**

 

* **Starting Weight:** Percentage loss is often more informative than absolute pounds, as someone starting heavier will likely lose more pounds for the same percentage loss.

* **Dosage:** Higher doses (10mg, 15mg) generally produced greater average weight loss in trials, but the best dose is individualized based on tolerance and efficacy under your doctor’s guidance.

* **Adherence:** Consistently taking the medication once weekly as prescribed is crucial.

* **Lifestyle Integration:** Results are significantly influenced by your commitment to the required reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Tirzepatide makes these changes easier to sustain but doesn’t replace them.

* **Duration of Use:** Weight loss occurs gradually over many months. Long-term use is typically required for maintenance.

* **Individual Biology:** Metabolic rate, genetics, other health conditions, and concurrent medications can all play a role.

 

**Focusing on Health, Not Just Pounds:**

 

While the potential weight loss figures are impressive, healthcare providers in the USA emphasize focusing on health improvements. Losing even 5-10% of body weight is proven to significantly improve blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and reduce the risk of heart disease and other complications. Success with Tirzepatide should be measured not just by the scale, but by improvements in these health markers and overall well-being.

 

**Kilogram Conversion (For Reference):**

 

Since your original query mentioned kilos: 1 kilogram (kg) is approximately 2.2 pounds (lbs).

* ~35 lbs ≈ 16 kg

* ~49 lbs ≈ 22 kg

* ~52 lbs ≈ 23.6 kg

 

**Conclusion:**

 

Based on robust clinical trials reviewed by the FDA, Tirzepatide (Zepbound) offers the potential for substantial weight loss for eligible individuals in the USA. Average weight loss often ranges from **15% to over 20%** of initial body weight (translating to **average losses of roughly 35 to 52 pounds** in trials) over about 1.5 years, depending on the dose and population studied. A significant number of users achieve even greater reductions (≥20% or ≥25%).

 

However, these are averages, and **individual results vary.** Achieving optimal results depends on working closely with your US healthcare provider, adhering to the prescribed dose and titration schedule, fully committing to diet and exercise changes, and potentially using the medication long-term for maintenance. The focus should be on achieving meaningful, *healthy* weight loss that improves overall well-being.

Tirzepatide for Weight Loss: How Many Kilos Is It Possible to Lose?