A significant real-world study examining the long-term effects of Eli Lilly’s weight-loss therapy, tirzepatide, has commenced in the United Kingdom. The five-year SURMOUNT-REAL UK trial aims to assess the impact of tirzepatide on weight loss, diabetes prevention, and complications related to obesity among adults diagnosed with obesity. This initiative is part of a collaboration established last year between Eli Lilly and the UK government.
The trial will not only focus on clinical outcomes but also evaluate broader health measures. This includes the frequency of visits to general practitioners (GPs), hospitals, and accident & emergency (A&E) departments, alongside aspects like work productivity, employment status, and overall health-related quality of life. The findings are anticipated to inform policy regarding the integration of weight-loss medications into the National Health Service (NHS) and enhance strategies for managing obesity in the UK.
Tirzepatide, known commercially as Mounjaro, functions as a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, providing treatment options for both type 2 diabetes and obesity. The NHS has recommended its use for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or greater, particularly those suffering from at least one weight-related illness. It is also advised for patients with type 2 diabetes when standard therapies fail to control blood glucose levels effectively.
Trial Scope and Local Impact
The SURMOUNT-REAL UK trial is being conducted in the Greater Manchester area, with initial patient visits now underway. This project is executed in collaboration with Health Innovation Manchester and the University of Manchester. The trial’s data management, technology, and patient recruitment are being overseen by North West EHealth, which has been appointed to lead these efforts.
Lead investigator Prof Martin Rutter, a specialist in cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Manchester, underscored the trial’s importance, stating, “it will contribute to the evidence base on intervening comparatively early in the progression of obesity.”
Approximately 600,000 adults in Greater Manchester are estimated to live with obesity, representing around 27% of the local population. Many of these individuals also face additional obesity-related health challenges that significantly diminish their quality of life. A study conducted by Frontier Economics has calculated that the financial burden of obesity in the area stands at around £3.21 billion, which includes NHS treatment costs, social care, and lost productivity.
Principal investigator Dr Imran Ghafoor, a general practitioner at Peterloo Medical Centre, expressed his commitment to the trial. He noted, “As a GP, I see patients bring more than symptoms – they bring hopes, challenges, and the realities of their communities. They trust our practice as a familiar and accessible space. This is why I am proud to be involved in this trial, which extends participation opportunities to groups often under-represented in research.”
The initiation of the SURMOUNT-REAL UK trial marks a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to combat obesity and its associated health risks, potentially paving the way for improved health outcomes and policy decisions in the UK healthcare system.
