Introduction & Objective: Exit interviews were conducted with participants of the SURMOUNT-4 clinical trial to understand their experiences of weight loss and maintenance of weight loss with tirzepatide.
Methods: SURMOUNT-4 was a phase 3 clinical trial of tirzepatide in adults living with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Participants received 36 weeks of maximum tolerated dose of tirzepatide in an open-label, lead-in treatment period, following which they were randomized to continue on tirzepatide or switch to placebo for a double-blind maintenance treatment period of 52 weeks. After completion of a 4-week safety follow-up period, cross-sectional qualitative exit interviews were conducted with 86 US-based participants.
Results: On average, exit interview participants lost 25kg during the open-label period. Most (n=84) described at least one physiological improvement during this period, such as increased energy (n=53). Participants (n=73) also reported positive impacts on their physical functioning including improved walking ability (n=36) and increased activity levels (n=30). Other improvements during this period pertained to emotional well-being (n=78), social life and relationships (n=64), activities of daily living (n=40), ability to work (n=15), and participation in hobbies (n=7). Participants were generally positive about the efficacy of tirzepatide (n=59) and how it reduced their appetite (n=35) and/or cravings (n=19). The most common aspect of treatment disliked by participants was gastrointestinal side effects (n=34). During the maintenance period, all participants on tirzepatide reported one or more additional improvements, or sustenance of the improvements achieved pre-randomization. In contrast, nearly all participants on placebo reported some loss of improvements experienced pre-randomization.
Conclusion: Participants were largely positive about tirzepatide’s effect on weight loss and the subsequent positive impacts on their broader well-being.
I. Jouravskaya: Employee; Eli Lilly and Company. C. Kanu: None. J. Poon: Employee; Eli Lilly and Company. Stock/Shareholder; Eli Lilly and Company. D. Mojdami: Employee; Eli Lilly and Company. E. Collins: Employee; Clarivate. Stock/Shareholder; Clarivate. Other Relationship; Clarivate. D.S. Burns: Employee; Clarivate. Stock/Shareholder; Clarivate. Other Relationship; Clarivate. H. Kitchen: Employee; Clarivate. Stock/Shareholder; Clarivate. Other Relationship; Clarivate. C. Carmichael: Employee; Clarivate. Stock/Shareholder; Clarivate. Other Relationship; Clarivate.
