Weight loss outcomes with tirzepatide in women with and without self-reported polycystic ovary syndrome
Ashley Kieran Clift, Dan Reisel, Hans Johnson, Naveed Sattar, David R HuangAbstract
Context
Weight management is key to managing polycystic ovary syndrome and overweight/obesity but is challenging for many. Evidence regarding tirzepatide’s efficacy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome is limited.
Objectives
To quantify the effectiveness of tirzepatide for weight loss in women with (self-reported) polycystic ovary syndrome and overweight/obesity with comparison to women not living with PCOS; to explore associations between engagement with digital, non-pharmacological adjuncts and weight loss.
Methods
Retrospective open cohort study in a digital weight management service in the United Kingdom. All women (aged 18+ years) with overweight/obesity prescribed tirzepatide for weight management between Feb 2024 and Jan 2025 were included. Percentage weight change from baseline was calculated in women reaching specific follow-up timepoints, stratified by PCOS status. Kaplan-Meier methods estimated cumulative probabilities of attaining total body weight loss thresholds.
Results
The cohort comprised 54,114 women, 4,241 (7.84%) women had PCOS. At 10 months, the mean weight change in women with PCOS (n = 40) was -19.40% (95% CI: -22.38% to -16.42%); this was not significantly different to women without (n = 397, mean weight change: -18.74%, 95% CI: -19.67% to -17.81%). 57.66% of women with PCOS lost ≥20% total body weight (95% CI: 47.44% to 68.29%) by 10 months. In women living with PCOS, digitally engaged women lost 3.42% more weight in absolute terms (95% CI: 1.71% to 5.12%, p < 0.001) by 10 months.
Conclusion
Tirzepatide may offer a highly effective therapeutic option for women with PCOS and overweight/obesity in whom weight loss is a key goal but a persistent challenge.