Experience with Tirzepatide and Weight Management During and After a Clinical Trial in Japanese Patients with Obesity Disease: A Qualitative Study.

INTRODUCTION: The phase 3 SURMOUNT-J clinical trial showed that Japanese adults with obesity disease achieved clinically meaningful body weight loss with once-weekly tirzepatide for 72 weeks. The primary objective of the present study was to explore participants' experiences with tirzepatide during SURMOUNT-J and body weight changes after the trial. Secondary objectives were to explore participant experiences with other weight loss treatments and body weight management after the trial, and to understand the healthcare provider support needs related to obesity disease treatment. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, non-interventional, semi-structured, qualitative exit interview study conducted in Japan. Tirzepatide-treated participants in SURMOUNT-J who completed the 72-week study were recruited for this study. Participants completed a web-based interview about their experience during and after SURMOUNT-J. RESULTS: Twenty-nine participants completed the interviews. During SURMOUNT-J, 75.9% of participants experienced appetite loss, 72.4% experienced conscious eating habit changes, 62.1% had positive feelings associated with body weight loss, and 75.9% expressed willingness to continue drug therapy. Additionally, 58.6% experienced joy being able to choose new clothes, and 51.7% experienced lighter body movements. After SURMOUNT-J ended, 51.7% of participants maintained their changes in eating behavior, 44.8% were not able to maintain their changes in exercise/physical activity, and 65.5% experienced poor appetite control. The interviews revealed a potential unmet need to provide information to people with obesity disease and to connect them with appropriate medical interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Study participants who received tirzepatide treatment reported that they were able to maintain their changes in eating behaviors but not exercise habits after SURMOUNT-J. Three-quarters of participants expressed a desire to continue drug therapy for obesity disease treatment.