The short answer
Higher mazdutide doses produced greater average weight loss, but the highest dose also had the most treatment stops due to adverse events.
Who was studied?
Researchers randomized 179 US adults with obesity or overweight and without type 2 diabetes. The trial lasted 48 weeks; its primary weight assessment was at week 32.
Percent of starting weight; hypothetical efficacy estimates
Original visual based on the study.
| Group or measure | Result |
|---|---|
| 3 mg, later increased to 6 mg | 7.3% |
| Mazdutide 10 mg | 15.6% |
| Mazdutide 16 mg | 18.1% |
| Placebo | 0.9% |
What changed?
At week 32, estimated average weight loss was:
The group taking 3 mg before a later increase to 6 mg: 7.3%.
Mazdutide 10 mg: 15.6%.
Mazdutide 16 mg: 18.1%.
Placebo: 0.9%.
These were hypothetical efficacy estimates. They should not be interpreted as ordinary real-world results including everyone's treatment changes.
What were the trade-offs?
Digestive symptoms were the most common adverse events. In the 16 mg group, 20% stopped treatment because of adverse events, mainly digestive problems.
The useful takeaway
Weight loss and tolerability belong in the same conversation. This dose-finding study does not tell individuals which dose to use or establish a comparison with another medicine.
Sources
Hsia and colleagues, Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 2026. Funded by Eli Lilly.