They have become the topic of every gathering, and are sometimes sold without a prescription. Let's set out the real trial numbers — without hype and without promotion.
The numbers from the trials
In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults with overweight or obesity achieved weight loss of 16.0%, 21.4% and 22.5% on tirzepatide 5, 10 and 15 mg respectively[1]. In the STEP-1 trial, semaglutide achieved about 14.9%[1].
And in the head-to-head SURMOUNT-5 comparison over 72 weeks, tirzepatide outperformed semaglutide: −20.2% vs −13.7%[2],[3].
(tirzepatide 15 mg)
STEP-1
SURMOUNT-5 result
What isn't said often enough
- The trials weren't "injection only": trial programmes included a lifestyle intervention — the drug was added to it, not substituted for it.
- Muscle is part of the weight lost: which is precisely why resistance training and protein become more important, not less (the resistance article and the protein article).
- Stopping usually means regain: weight management is a chronic condition, and the drug is not a course of treatment that ends.
- They have side effects and contraindications: nausea and gastrointestinal upset are common, and some conditions rule them out entirely — a decision for a doctor, not a pharmacy or an influencer.
Our position, plainly
These are prescription medicines with real, documented results for specific groups. FitCal does not sell them, promote them, or oppose them — our role is that you know your numbers whether you are on them or not. And those using them need more dietary tracking, not less, because reduced appetite can mean inadequate protein and micronutrients.