Tirzepatide Lowers Blood Pressure in Adults with Obesity: Study Findings

N/A, N/A New Zealand
Participants taking 5 mg of tirzepatide had an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 7.4 mm Hg; participants taking 10 mg had an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 8.0 mm Hg; and participants taking 15 mg had an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 9.6 mm Hg.
The study found that tirzepatide significantly lowered blood pressure in adults with obesity who took the medication for 36 weeks.
Tirzepatide is a weight loss medication
Tirzepatide Lowers Blood Pressure in Adults with Obesity: Study Findings

A new study has found that the weight loss medication tirzepatide significantly lowered blood pressure in adults who had obesity and took the medication for 36 weeks. Participants taking 5 mg of tirzepatide had an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 7.4 mm Hg; participants taking 10 mg had an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 8.0 mm Hg; and participants taking 15 mg had an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 9.6 mm Hg.


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Confidence

80%

Doubts
  • It's not clear if the blood pressure lowering effects are long-term or just temporary.
  • The study did not control for other factors that could affect blood pressure, such as diet and exercise.

Sources

84%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Weight loss drug helps significantly lower blood pressure in adults who are overweight or obese, study finds

CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Monday, 05 February 2024 10:00
  • Unique Points
    • The drug tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Zepbound for obesity and Mounjaro for diabetes, significantly lowered the blood pressure of adults with overweight or obese who took it for nine months according to a new study
    • Tirzepatide resulted in weight loss of up to 22% in adults with overweight or obesity
    • The US Food and Drug Administration approved tirzepatide for chronic weight management in November
  • Accuracy
    • The drug tirzepatide significantly lowered the blood pressure of adults with overweight or obesity who took it for nine months according to a new study
    • Participants taking 5 milligrams of tirzepatide weekly had an average reduction in systolic blood pressure of 7.4 mmHg, those on 10 milligrams had an average reduction of 10.6 mmHg, and those on 15 milligrams had an average reduction of 8.0 mmHg
    • Tirzepatide mimics the action of two different gut hormones to lower blood sugar and slow the movement of food from the stomach
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in that it presents the results of a study as if they are definitive proof that tirzepatide significantly lowers blood pressure. However, the study only shows a correlation between weight loss and blood pressure reduction. The authors also fail to disclose any potential conflicts of interest or funding sources for their research.
    • The article quotes Dr. Harlan Krumholz as saying 'An eight-point difference is really an impressive effect that rivals or exceeds many of our usual blood pressure medications.' However, this quote does not accurately reflect the results of the study and may be misleading to readers.
    • The article states that 'CNN — The drug tirzepatide — sold under the brand names Zepbound for obesity and Mounjaro for diabetes — significantly lowered the blood pressure of adults with overweight or obesity who took it for nine months, according to a new study.' This statement is misleading because it implies that tirzepatide directly causes a decrease in blood pressure.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing the approval of a drug by the US Food and Drug Administration without providing any evidence or reasoning for its effectiveness. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the significant decrease in blood pressure as 'an impressive effect that rivals or exceeds many of our usual blood pressure medications'. Additionally, there is no mention of any other studies supporting this claim.
    • The drug tirzepatide — sold under the brand names Zepbound for obesity and Mounjaro for diabetes — significantly lowered the blood pressure of adults with overweight or obesity who took it for nine months, according to a new study.
    • The results showed a significant decrease in the participants’ systolic blood pressure, which is a strong predictor of heart disease. Participants taking 5 milligrams of tirzepatide weekly had an average reduction in systolic blood pressure of 7.4 mmHg.
    • The real effect of tirzepatide on blood pressure may be even more pronounced, given that most of the study participants did not have high blood pressure to begin with.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

70%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Users of Zepbound or Mounjaro Had Lower Blood Pressure in Study

The New York Times Gina Kolata Monday, 05 February 2024 10:03
  • Unique Points
    • Tirzepatide is used to treat Type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro and obesity under the brand name Zepbound.
    • The blood pressure study was part of a larger effort to assess tirzepatide's effects on weight loss. Researchers had already found that people who took the drug had lower blood pressures when readings were taken in a doctor's office.
    • Those taking the drug had systolic blood pressures from 7.4 to 10 millimeters of mercury lower than those of participants taking a placebo, which is about what would be expected with a full dose of a blood pressure medicine.
  • Accuracy
    • Tirzepatide resulted in weight loss of up to 22% in adults with overweight or obesity
    • Blood pressure measurements were available and analyzed for 494 participants who valid ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data at the beginning of the study and at week 36.
    • Tirzepatide led to clinically meaningful reductions in ambulatory blood pressure among adults with overweight and obesity, with reductions in the range seen with traditional blood pressure-lowering medications.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that researchers could not distinguish between the effect of tirzepatide and weight loss on blood pressure. However, this statement contradicts itself as it states that participants taking tirzepatide had lower systolic blood pressures than those taking a placebo.
    • The new study applied a more rigorous criteria: Did participants taking the drug have lower pressures when measured with a 24-hour monitor? They did. Those taking the drug had systolic blood pressures that were from 7.4 to 10.0 millimeters of mercury lower than those of participants taking a placebo.
    • The blood pressure reduction, said Dr. James de Lemos, is about what would be expected with a full dose of a blood pressure medicine.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by stating that the study was supported by Eli Lilly. Additionally, there is a dichotomous depiction of blood pressure as being either normal or abnormal when it should be viewed on a spectrum. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric in describing the potential benefits and risks of using tirzepatide for weight loss.
    • The study was supported by Eli Lilly.
  • Bias (85%)
    The article discusses the results of a study that found people who used tirzepatide (Mounjaro or Zepbound) had lower blood pressure after 36 weeks. However, it is not clear if this was due to the drug itself or weight loss. The author mentions other studies where participants taking tirzepatide had lower blood pressures when readings were taken in a doctor's office but does not provide any information on those specific studies.
    • It was not possible to distinguish the effect (if any) that the drug had on blood pressure from well-known effects that weight loss has on reducing blood pressure.
      • The patients used tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro or Zepbound, but researchers could not distinguish the effect of the drug from the effects of weight loss.
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        Gina Kolata has a conflict of interest with Eli Lilly as she reports on Tirzepatide and Semaglutide which are drugs developed by the company.
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
          Gina Kolata has a conflict of interest on the topic of Tirzepatide as she mentions Eli Lilly in her article. She also does not disclose any other conflicts of interest.

          91%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          Obesity Drug Could Lower Blood Pressure in Adults

          Mirage News Monday, 05 February 2024 18:44
          • Unique Points
            • The weight loss medication tirzepatide significantly lowered the systolic blood pressure of nearly 500 adults who had obesity and took the medication for 36 weeks.
            • Participants taking 10 mg of tirzepatide had an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 10.6 mm Hg; participants taking 15 mg had an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 8.0 mm Hg; and participants taking 5 mg had an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 7.4 mm Hg.
            • Blood pressure measurements were available and analyzed for only a subset (494) of the total study population who valid ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data at the beginning of the study and at week 36.
          • Accuracy
            • Tirzepatide resulted in weight loss of up to 22% in adults with overweight or obesity
            • The US Food and Drug Administration approved tirzepatide for chronic weight management in November
          • Deception (90%)
            The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the weight loss medication tirzepatide significantly lowered the systolic blood pressure of nearly 500 adults who had obesity and took the medication for about eight months. However, this statement is misleading because it implies that all participants in the study experienced a significant reduction in their systolic blood pressure. In reality, only three dosages of tirzepatide were tested (5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg), and not all participants received these doses for eight months. Additionally, the article does not provide any information about how long the participants took the medication before their systolic blood pressure was measured. This raises questions about whether it is accurate to attribute a causal relationship between tirzepatide use and reduced blood pressure.
            • The statement 'Nearly 500 adults who had obesity' implies that all participants in the study were overweight or obese, but this is not true. The article does not provide any information about the weight status of other participants in the study.
          • Fallacies (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Bias (85%)
            The article discusses a study that found the weight loss medication tirzepatide significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in nearly 500 adults with obesity who took it for about eight months. The study was conducted as part of an international clinical trial and included participants taking three different dosages of tirzepatide (5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg). The results showed that the average systolic blood pressure reduction in participants taking each dose was between 7.4 mm Hg to 8.0 mm Hg after eight months of treatment. Additionally, the study found that the blood-pressure lowering effects of tirzepatide were evident during both day and night blood pressure measurements.
            • The weight loss medication tirzepatide significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in nearly 500 adults with obesity who took it for about eight months.
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication

            82%

            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

            Beyond weight loss, tirzepatide may also lower high blood pressure: SURMOUNT-1

            Healio Monday, 05 February 2024 18:45
            • Unique Points
              • Tirzepatide reduced 24-hour ambulatory BP for adults with obesity-related hypertension.
              • The drug's effect on blood pressure may be independent of weight loss.
            • Accuracy
              No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
            • Deception (50%)
              The article is deceptive in that it presents the results of a substudy from the SURMOUNT-1 trial as if they are independent findings. The study was designed to investigate whether tirzepatide reduces blood pressure and its effect on blood pressure may be independent of weight loss, but this information is not clearly stated in the article.
              • The sentence 'Pharmacological treatment of obesity with new effective medications may help to prevent and treat hypertension and its complications' suggests that tirzepatide only reduces blood pressure because it causes weight loss, but this is not clear from the study.
              • The sentence 'Treatment with each tirzepatide dose reduced 24-hour systolic BP at 36 weeks compared with placebo.' implies that the reduction in blood pressure was solely due to weight loss, when it may have been independent of weight loss.
            • Fallacies (85%)
              The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing the FDA's approval of tirzepatide for chronic weight management. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when stating that 'pharmacological treatment of obesity with new effective medications may help to prevent and treat hypertension and its complications'. Additionally, there is a dichotomous depiction in the article's title which states that tirzepatide reduces ambulatory blood pressure while also mentioning weight loss. This creates an either/or fallacy as it implies that the reduction of blood pressure is only possible if weight loss occurs.
              • The FDA approved tirzepatide for chronic weight management.
            • Bias (85%)
              The article discusses the potential benefits of tirzepatide for lowering high blood pressure in addition to weight loss. The author mentions that the drug's effect on blood pressure may be independent of weight loss and quotes a study that found clinically meaningful reductions in ambulatory blood pressure among adults with overweight and obesity, similar to traditional medications. However, the article also notes that mechanistic studies are needed to determine if the BP lowering is fully mediated by weight loss or if there are other effects of the drug that contribute.
              • The dual incretin agonist tirzepatide reduced 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure for adults with obesity-related hypertension, with the effects potentially independent of weight loss.
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication