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Weight-Loss That Lasts? This Study Says Yes

April 13, 2025
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April 13, 2025 09:00 AM PST

(PenniesToSave.com) – Weight-loss drugs often make bold promises, only to fall short in the long run. But a recent study shows that Eli Lilly’s Zepbound may be different. In what many are calling a potential breakthrough in the fight against obesity, users of Zepbound kept the weight off for three years. For the average American, this could mean more than just smaller waistlines. It could be a sign of real change in how we treat and afford obesity care, with long-term implications for health, costs, and access.

What Is Zepbound?

Zepbound is Eli Lilly’s brand name for tirzepatide, a medication initially developed to treat Type 2 diabetes. Under the name Mounjaro, it received FDA approval for diabetes treatment. Due to its significant weight-reduction effects observed during those trials, it was later approved in 2023 for chronic weight management.

Tirzepatide is a dual-action drug that mimics two natural hormones, GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones help regulate blood sugar, slow down digestion, and signal satiety, effectively reducing appetite and calorie intake. Unlike many traditional weight-loss treatments that rely on behavioral changes or stimulants, Zepbound works directly on the body’s hormonal systems. Patients typically inject the medication once a week using a pre-filled pen, which offers convenience compared to daily pills or more invasive interventions.

Zepbound has rapidly become one of the most talked-about drugs in the obesity treatment space, with many physicians viewing it as a key advancement in medically supervised weight loss. The success of its diabetes-focused cousin Mounjaro helped lay the foundation for Zepbound’s broader use.

The 3-Year Study: Key Findings

The long-term study published by Eli Lilly followed participants for a full 36 months, far beyond the usual 12- or 18-month benchmarks common in clinical weight-loss trials. The participants included adults who were either overweight or obese, many of whom had additional weight-related health conditions such as hypertension, prediabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea.

The data revealed that individuals who remained on Zepbound not only lost a substantial amount of weight within the first year but were able to maintain that weight loss consistently throughout the three-year study. On average, patients lost around 15 to 20 percent of their initial body weight and kept it off. This is notable because other treatments often see significant weight regain after the first year.

Moreover, the benefits of weight loss were not limited to aesthetics. Participants also experienced improved cholesterol levels, reduced blood sugar, and lower blood pressure. These health gains were particularly pronounced in individuals who started the trial with obesity-related medical conditions. The improvements in metabolic health suggest that Zepbound could reduce the long-term risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Side effects reported in the study were mostly gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These effects were generally mild to moderate and tended to diminish as the body adjusted to the medication. Very few participants dropped out of the study due to adverse effects, suggesting good long-term tolerability.

What This Means for the Average American

The implications of Zepbound’s success go far beyond clinical metrics. Obesity is a national health crisis in the United States, affecting more than 42 percent of adults according to the CDC. It contributes to a wide range of costly and life-shortening diseases, from cardiovascular conditions to certain types of cancer. The economic cost of obesity is estimated to exceed $170 billion annually, factoring in medical expenses and lost productivity.

For the average American, especially those who have struggled for years with unsuccessful diets and exercise programs, a treatment like Zepbound offers a legitimate path toward sustainable weight loss. This could mean fewer visits to the doctor, reduced reliance on medications for conditions like high blood pressure or insulin resistance, and ultimately a better quality of life.

There is also a cultural impact. Weight-loss drugs have long been stigmatized as shortcuts or vanity solutions. However, Zepbound’s proven track record may help shift the public perception toward recognizing obesity as a medical condition that deserves pharmaceutical intervention, just like high cholesterol or asthma.

Yet the benefits are not just about weight. Patients report increased energy levels, improved mobility, better sleep, and even improved mental health outcomes, including reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms often linked to chronic obesity.

The Catch: Insurance and Cost Barriers

Despite Zepbound’s strong results, the biggest obstacle facing the average American is cost. Without insurance coverage, a month’s supply of Zepbound can run over $1,000. While some private insurers have started to include Zepbound in their formularies, coverage is inconsistent and often comes with strict prior authorization requirements.

Medicare, which covers millions of Americans over the age of 65 and many with disabilities, does not currently cover weight-loss medications. This policy stems from an outdated regulatory stance that classifies obesity treatments as lifestyle rather than medically necessary. As a result, older Americans, who may be at even greater risk of obesity-related complications, often cannot access drugs like Zepbound without paying full retail price.

Efforts to change this are gaining momentum. Several bills have been introduced in Congress that would require Medicare to cover FDA-approved anti-obesity medications. Advocacy groups argue that covering these drugs could reduce long-term healthcare costs by preventing complications that require expensive interventions such as heart surgery or dialysis.

Until significant policy changes are made, Zepbound’s benefits may remain out of reach for many low- and middle-income Americans. This raises broader questions about healthcare equity and the role of public insurance programs in addressing preventable diseases.

What to Watch For Next

Zepbound’s long-term success could catalyze a number of changes in the healthcare landscape. One likely development is the emergence of more GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists, possibly with fewer side effects or greater efficacy. Competing drugmakers are already accelerating their research timelines in response to Zepbound’s success.

At the policy level, pressure is mounting for Medicare and Medicaid to update their drug coverage guidelines. The possibility of regulatory changes within the next few years is real, especially as the healthcare system looks for ways to reduce chronic disease costs. Private insurers may also begin to expand access as demand from patients and physicians continues to rise.

Employers who sponsor health insurance plans are beginning to consider the cost-benefit tradeoffs of covering drugs like Zepbound. If fewer sick days, lower healthcare claims, and improved employee wellness result from coverage, businesses may see it as a smart investment.

Finally, the success of Zepbound could lead to a broader cultural shift. As the medical community and public begin to accept pharmacological treatments for obesity, we may see a reduction in weight-related stigma and greater willingness to seek medical help rather than blame or shame individuals struggling with their weight.

Final Thoughts

Zepbound is not a miracle drug, but its three-year track record makes it one of the most promising tools in the battle against obesity. For the average American, it represents hope: hope for better health, lower long-term costs, and more options when diet and exercise alone do not work.

However, its high cost and limited insurance coverage pose serious barriers. Unless policy changes are made to improve access, millions who could benefit may be left behind. The question now is not just whether Zepbound works, but whether our healthcare system will adapt quickly enough to make it widely available. If it does, we could be looking at a major step forward in fighting one of America’s most persistent public health problems.

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