New weight loss jab approved on NHS is BETTER than Wegovy, major study finds

THE NHS’s latest fat jab is the strongest one so far, a study suggests.

A review of 22 studies found tirzepatide helped patients lose 5kg more than semaglutide, known as Wegovy or Ozempic.

The drug, made by Eli Lilly, was approved for use in diabetic NHS patients earlier this month.

Dr Thomas Karagiannis, of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece, said: “Tirzepatide  was more effective for weight loss than semaglutide.”

Like semaglutide, tirzepatide was developed as a diabetes drug but manufacturers noticed it also helped patients lose weight.

The drug — also known as Mounjaro — works by helping people feel full for longer and slowing how quickly food moves through their digestive systems.

Previous research shows overweight people dropped more than two stone in 18 months when on the drug.

It was five times as much as the three per cent among those just trying diet and exercise.

Eli Lilly is currently seeking approval for its use for obesity and weight loss management.

Semaglutide is facing supply shortages, with more patients being prescribed it off label to help manage weight.

Charities have warned the surging demand is preventing diabetes patients getting the medication they need.

The study, set to be presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, analysed trial results to see how effective tirzepatide is compared to semaglutide.

Researchers looked at how the drugs performed for diabetes management and weight loss.

Patients were given either 5mg, 10mg or 15mg doses of tirzepatide every week, while semaglutide was dished out in 0.5mg 1mg or 2mg weekly doses for 12 weeks.

Those on the highest tirzepatide dose lost 5.72kg more than those on 2mg of semaglutide.

They lost 3.52kg more on average when taking a 10mg dose, compared to 2mg of semaglutide, and 1.72kg more when taking 5mg doses, compared to 1mg of semaglutide.

The 15mg dose of tirsepatide was also most effective in reducing blood sugar, followed by tirzepatide 10mg and semaglutide 2mg.

Dr Karagiannis said: “The three tirzepaide doses were more effective than the three respective semaglutide doses.

“The difference between the two drugs was larger with the higher doses.”