A significant real-world study investigating the long-term effects of Eli Lilly’s weight-loss therapy, tirzepatide, has commenced in the United Kingdom. The five-year trial, named SURMOUNT-REAL UK, will assess the impact of tirzepatide in primary care settings, focusing on weight loss, diabetes prevention, and the mitigation of obesity-related complications among adults living with obesity.
The trial is part of a collaboration established last year between Eli Lilly and the UK government. It aims to evaluate not only clinical outcomes but also broader health measures, including healthcare utilization like GP visits, hospital admissions, and emergency department visits. Additional factors such as work productivity, employment status, and health-related quality of life will also be examined. The findings from this trial are expected to inform policies regarding the integration of weight-loss medications into the National Health Service (NHS) and the overall management strategy for obesity in the UK.
Tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, is marketed under the trade name Mounjaro for the treatment of both type 2 diabetes and obesity in the UK. The NHS has recommended its use for individuals with a BMI of 35 or more who also have at least one weight-related illness, as well as for those with type 2 diabetes when standard therapies fail to control blood glucose levels.
Trial Details and Local Impact
The SURMOUNT-REAL UK trial is being conducted in the Greater Manchester area, with initial patient visits already underway. The research is a collaboration involving Health Innovation Manchester and the University of Manchester, with North West EHealth leading the management of data, technology, and patient recruitment.
Lead investigator Prof Martin Rutter, a specialist in cardiometabolic medicine at Manchester University, emphasized the trial’s importance in contributing to the evidence base for early intervention in obesity management. Approximately 600,000 adults in Greater Manchester are estimated to be living with obesity, representing around 27% of the total population. Many of these individuals suffer from related health conditions, which significantly diminish their quality of life and exert considerable pressure on healthcare systems. A study by Frontier Economics has estimated that the financial burden of obesity in the region amounts to approximately £3.21 billion, encompassing NHS treatment costs, social care expenses, and impacts on economic productivity.
Principal investigator Dr Imran Ghafoor from Peterloo Medical Centre expressed pride in participating in this research initiative. He stated, “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.”
As the trial progresses, its findings could play a critical role in shaping future healthcare strategies aimed at combating obesity and improving the overall health landscape in the UK.
