What was studied in 2026?
In SURMOUNT-MAINTAIN, all participants initially received tirzepatide. After 60 weeks, those eligible for the next stage were randomly assigned to three groups: continuing their existing dose, a lower dose or placebo. The aim was to maintain the effect of earlier treatment. [30]
At 112 weeks from the start of the overall study, people continuing their previous dose had lost an average of about 22% of body weight, while those receiving a lower dose had lost about 17%. Continued treatment therefore helped preserve more of the result. This is not an instruction to change dose. [30]
Detailed data and important limitations
441 people entered the study; 378 were randomized after 60 weeks. Continued tirzepatide 10/15 mg: −21.9%; switching to 5 mg: −16.6%, measured from the start of the entire trial. Rescue treatment was allowed after regaining half the lost weight and was accounted for in the analysis. We read the current abstract, not the full paper or a separate erratum. [30]
Why does this matter more than a weight-loss record?
The earlier SURMOUNT-4 trial showed that some weight often returned after stopping tirzepatide. The newer trial develops a practical question: how should continued care be planned once the first goal has been reached? [27]
Findings in people who tolerated treatment for many months should not be transferred to every new patient. Side effects, costs and the ability to continue care also matter.
What did a direct comparison with another medicine show?
The SURMOUNT-5 study, published in 2025, compared tirzepatide with semaglutide. In adults with obesity without type 2 diabetes, average weight loss after 72 weeks was about 20% with tirzepatide and about 14% with semaglutide. Digestive problems were common in both groups. [28]
Under these conditions, tirzepatide reduced weight more. This does not mean it will be best for everyone. The study did not include all forms and doses of semaglutide available today.
Which treatments were compared?
751 participants; an open-label study, so participants and staff knew which medicine was used. Tirzepatide 10/15 mg versus semaglutide 1.7/2.4 mg, according to tolerance. Exact results: −20.2% and −13.7%. The study did not assess semaglutide tablets or treatment of type 2 diabetes. [28]
What does this mean for readers?
Ask about the entire treatment plan: initial weight loss, continued management and possible discontinuation. Good results in the first few months do not answer all these questions.
You can find the mechanism, uses and side effects on the separate tirzepatide page.
The studies discussed were funded by Lilly. We used the authors' summaries in PubMed. This is a selection of important findings, not a full review of every published paper.
Where does this information come from?
Show sources and how they were checked
- Horn i wsp.: utrzymanie spadku wagi, SURMOUNT-MAINTAIN
Study publication · 12.05.2026 online · current PubMed abstract; full text and separate erratum not read · DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00656-2. Accessed: 02.11.2026.
- Aronne i wsp.: kontynuacja lub odstawienie tirzepatydu, SURMOUNT-4
Study publication · JAMA, 2 January 2024 · PubMed abstract reviewed. Accessed: 2 November 2026.
- Aronne et al.: treatment comparison in SURMOUNT-5
Study publication · online 11 May 2025 · PubMed abstract reviewed. Accessed: 2 November 2026.