Effectiveness of Telemedicine Prescribing and a Long-Acting Obesity Medication Behavioral Program: A 24-Week Single-Arm Study

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2025 Nov 18. doi: 10.1002/oby.70056. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Limited data exist on telemedicine prescribing of semaglutide and tirzepatide. The effects of a telehealth obesity management program combining the provision of semaglutide and tirzepatide with a behavioral program tailored for long-acting antiobesity medications (AOMs) were evaluated.

METHODS: In this single-arm study, 180 participants recruited from a telehealth medical obesity program received a virtual behavioral program tailored for long-acting AOMs, Bluetooth wireless scales, and a blood pressure (BP) cuff. Participants' (mean age = 44.1; 91% female; 81% White; mean weight = 102.8 kg) weight, BP, eating habits, dietary quality, physical activity, and side effects were assessed at baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks. Wilcoxon rank sum tests were conducted, and p values were adjusted using a false discovery rate approach. Intent-to-treat analysis was performed using last observation carried forward (LOCF).

RESULTS: Weight loss was 7.2% (SD = 5.2%) at 12 weeks and 12.3% (SD = 6.9%) at 24 weeks (p < 0.0001). Mean BP declined from 131.0/83.8 (SD = 17.2/12.2) to 122.5/78.7 (SD = 13.7/10.1) at 12 weeks and 120.0/78.2 (SD = 13.5/10.6) at 24 weeks (p < 0.0001). Participants significantly improved their eating habits, diet quality, and activity. Side effects were markedly lower than in previously reported trials.

CONCLUSIONS: Virtually delivered treatment combining telemedicine and a behavioral program tailored for long-acting AOMs demonstrated clinically significant improvements in weight, BP, diet, and activity over 24 weeks.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06034457.

PMID:41253738 | DOI:10.1002/oby.70056