Tirzepatide Results: SURMOUNT-1 Explained (-20.9%)
SURMOUNT-1 is the landmark tirzepatide weight-loss trial. Here is what it measured, dose by dose, in plain language.
The headline number
In SURMOUNT-1 (Jastreboff et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2022; PMID 35658024), adults with obesity or overweight taking tirzepatide 15 mg lost an average of 20.9% of body weight over 72 weeks. Lower doses lost less. For a 230 pound starting weight, about 21% is roughly 48 pounds, on average. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed.
Results by dose
- 5 mg: roughly 15% average body-weight loss.
- 10 mg: roughly 19.5% average.
- 15 mg: about 20.9% average, the top dose studied.
The dose matters: results build as the dose is titrated up. Stopping early at a low dose usually means a smaller result, which is why reaching an effective, tolerated dose with supervision is the goal.
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Start the 30-day trialWhy is tirzepatide often stronger than semaglutide?
Tirzepatide is a dual agonist: it acts on both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while semaglutide acts on GLP-1 alone. That dual action is the leading explanation for the higher average loss seen in its trial. That said, stronger on average does not mean right for everyone; tolerance, health history, and cost all factor into the choice.
Frequently asked questions
How much weight did people lose on tirzepatide in SURMOUNT-1?
At the 15 mg dose, an average of 20.9% of body weight over 72 weeks (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2022, PMID 35658024). Lower doses lost less: roughly 15% at 5 mg and about 19.5% at 10 mg. For a 230 pound person, 21% is around 48 pounds on average. Results vary and are not guaranteed, and the right dose is set by a physician.
Is tirzepatide better than semaglutide?
On average, tirzepatide produced greater weight loss in its trial (about 20.9% at 15 mg) than semaglutide did in STEP 1 (about 14.9%), likely because it acts on two appetite pathways instead of one. But better on average does not mean better for everyone; the right choice depends on your health, tolerance, goals, and budget, which is a medical decision.
Do I have to reach the 15 mg dose to lose weight?
No. Meaningful loss happens at lower doses too (roughly 15% at 5 mg in the trial). The dose is titrated up gradually for tolerance, and many people do well before the top dose. The goal is an effective, tolerated dose with follow-up, not the highest possible number as fast as possible.
Is compounded tirzepatide the same as what SURMOUNT-1 studied?
No. SURMOUNT-1 studied the brand-name product. Compounded tirzepatide is prepared by licensed U.S. pharmacies and is not an FDA-approved or brand-identical medication. The trial tells us about the active ingredient and dose, not about a specific compounded preparation. A physician confirms whether it is appropriate for you.
How do I start tirzepatide safely?
Through a physician who screens your history and contraindications, starts you at a low dose, and titrates up with follow-up to manage side effects. Take our 2-minute quiz or call to begin. Supervised titration is how more people stay comfortable enough to continue and see results.
This article is informational only and not medical advice. Speak with a licensed physician before starting or changing any GLP-1 therapy. Individual results vary. New Hope Weight Loss is a physician-supervised medical weight loss clinic in Costa Mesa, CA. Eligibility for treatment is determined during the medical consultation. Compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not the same products as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, or Zepbound®.