Real-world effects of incretin-based Obesity medications on body composition.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the real-world impact of incretin-based obesity medications Semaglutide and Tirzepatide on body composition in people with obesity. The primary outcomes included changes in weight, waist circumference, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and visceral fat over 12 months. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted at Genesis Healthcare Centre, Dubai, UAE, from October 2022 to September 2024. A total of 269 adults (BMI ≥30 kg/m or ≥27 kg/m with obesity-related complications) who were prescribed Semaglutide or Tirzepatide as part of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary weight management program were included. Body composition was assessed using the InBody 370S analyzer. Data were extracted from the health information system. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine significance (p < 0.05) in the statistical analyses, which were conducted using SPSS v29. RESULTS: Both medications significantly reduced weight, BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, fat mass, and visceral fat (p < 0.001). At 6 months, weight loss was similar (-9.09 % vs -10.7 %), but by 12 months, Tirzepatide achieved greater reduction (22.02 % vs 11.59 %). Both improved glycemic control and liver function. Females exhibited greater weight loss. Lifestyle interventions supported skeletal muscle mass preservation. CONCLUSION: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, significantly improved body composition, weight loss, and metabolic parameters in people with obesity. Tirzepatide demonstrated greater long-term efficacy.