The short answer
SURMOUNT-2 tested tirzepatide in people with type 2 diabetes—a different population from SURMOUNT-1. It found substantial average weight loss against placebo.
The comparison
Researchers randomly assigned 938 adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes to weekly tirzepatide 10 mg, 15 mg, or placebo for 72 weeks. Participants and investigators were blinded to treatment assignment.
Average weight change was −12.8%, −14.7%, and −3.2%, respectively. The analysis included people regardless of treatment discontinuation or additional glucose-lowering rescue treatment.
Percent of starting weight
Original chart based on the study. Values are reported group averages.
| Group or measure | Average result |
|---|---|
| Tirzepatide 10 mg | −12.8% |
| Tirzepatide 15 mg | −14.7% |
| Placebo | −3.2% |
What else matters?
Digestive adverse events, including nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, were most common and usually mild or moderate. Fewer than 5% stopped treatment because of gastrointestinal events.
These results are useful for understanding this specific study population. They do not establish a direct ranking against semaglutide, which was not tested here, or predict an individual's result.
Sources
Garvey and colleagues, SURMOUNT-2, The Lancet, 2023. Funded by Eli Lilly. Study abstract · Paper.