Key takeaways
Trulicity is approved for blood sugar control and reducing cardiovascular risk, but studies show it can cause significant weight loss.
Other GLP-1 drugs that are approved by the FDA for weight loss, and some have been shown to be more effective than Trulicity for weight loss.
GLP-1 drugs can have significant risks and side effects, so always speak to a healthcare professional before starting a GLP-1for weight loss.
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a prescription antidiabetic once-weekly injection medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to lower blood sugar levels and lower A1C levels, an indicator of long-term blood glucose control, by up to 1.6%. Other biological effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists related to the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus include improved insulin sensitivity, decreased glucagon concentrations, delayed gastric emptying, increased satiety (feeling of fullness), and decreased body weight.
Not all GLP-1 medications have approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss, but many are used off-label (a purpose other than a medication’s approved use) to help with weight loss.
Trulicity is FDA-approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes in combination with diet and exercise in adults and children ages 10 years and older, and for the reduction of cardiovascular mortality in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Read about Trulicity’s effectiveness for weight loss, and when your healthcare provider might prescribe it off-label for weight loss.
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What is Trulicity used for?
Trulicity, manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, is FDA approved for Type 2 diabetes mellitus alongside diet and exercise in adults and children 10 years of age and older and cardiovascular risk reduction in type 2 diabetes patients with established cardiovascular disease or risk factors. Trulicity for weight loss is not approved by the FDA, even though its use for this purpose may be relatively common.
RELATED: Is Trulicity insulin?
How does Trulicity work for weight loss?
Trulicity and other GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the structure of naturally occurring hormones in the human body known as incretin hormones. When you eat food, your stomach releases these hormones, which, in turn, stimulate insulin release from the pancreas. Insulin helps control blood sugar levels by helping cells absorb glucose for energy. Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients often lack enough incretin hormones to stimulate this process, which is why the GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective at helping them manage their blood sugar.
So, how does this mechanism help with weight loss? Incretin hormones, along with the chemically similar GLP-1 receptor agonists, slow gut motility and, therefore, slow stomach emptying. This leads to food remaining in the intestinal tract longer, causing increased and prolonged feelings of satiety, or feeling full. The feeling of being full leads to decreased appetite, which is thought to be the primary way GLP-1 receptor agonists like Trulicity aid with weight loss.
According to clinical trials, patients with a higher BMI taking higher doses of Trulicity experienced the most weight loss, with an average of 12.3 pounds lost by week 36. . The average weight loss for all doses and weights ranged from 6.6 to 10.1 pounds by 36 weeks.
The results of the AWARD-11 trial concur that weight loss occurs most in patients on the highest dose of Trulicity, 4.5 mg. While most patients do lose some weight, there is a chance they will not lose weight or may even gain weight, and factors like diet and exercise also affect weight loss success.
Do doctors prescribe Trulicity for weight loss?
Drugs that are FDA approved for weight loss include Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide). Zepbound (tirzepatide) is another medication that is FDA-approved for weight loss. Zepbound is a dual GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), which has shown superior weight loss results when compared to the first GLP-1 drugs. While Trulicity does not have FDA approval for weight loss, some prescribers may still prescribe it for this purpose.
Trulicity is approved by the FDA only to treat Type 2 diabetes—not weight loss. While weight loss can be a side effect for people with diabetes, taking Trulicity without having diabetes can cause dangerous low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This can lead to dizziness, weakness, fainting, or other severe symptoms. If you have diabetes and lose weight on Trulicity, your doctor should closely monitor your health and lab results.
RELATED: Trulicity vs. Ozempic | Trulicity vs. Victoza
Your doctor must evaluate your medical history before prescribing Trulicity. Key safety considerations include:
- Common side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and indigestion are common. Low blood sugar can also occur, though it is less common unless combined with other treatments.
- Contraindications: Do not use Trulicity if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, MEN 2 syndrome, or a past allergic reaction to the drug.
- Serious warning signs: Seek immediate medical care for severe stomach pain, which could signal pancreatitis or gastroparesis.
RELATED: Trulicity dosage
How long does it take for Trulicity to work?
The amount of weight you may lose while taking Trulicity appears to be primarily dependent upon your body mass index (BMI) and the dose of Trulicity you are prescribed. In clinical trials, participants taking Trulicity experienced an average weight loss of 6.6 to 10.1 pounds at 36 weeks, while those taking Trulicity 4.5 mg (the highest dose) with a BMI of 33.2 or greater saw an average weight loss of 12.3 pounds. How quickly you lose weight will depend on your adherence to the medication, your starting BMI, your dose, and your diet and exercise plan.
What’s the right Trulicity dosage for weight loss?
The manufacturer of Trulicity reported its findings for weight loss after following patients from baseline, or day zero, to 36 weeks. The following table shows the average weight loss at each dose of Trulicity.
Trulicity dosage for weight loss |
|
|---|---|
| Dosage | Average weight loss |
| Trulicity 1.5 mg | 6.6 lbs |
| Trulicity 3.0 mg | 8.4 lbs |
| Trulicity 4.5 mg | 10.1 lbs |
Trulicity is not a quick-fix solution for weight loss, and the manufacturer notes that some individuals may not lose any weight while taking it. While the average weight loss achieved during clinical trials is meaningful, it happens gradually over time. Furthermore, a structured diet and exercise program can often produce similar or greater weight loss results on its own. For individuals using Trulicity to manage type 2 diabetes, a healthy diet and regular physical activity are required components of the overall treatment plan to effectively control blood sugar levels.
Is there a maximum dose for weight loss?
There is not a published maximum dose of Trulicity for weight loss because it is an off-label indication, but the maximum dosage for all FDA-approved indications is Trulicity is 4.5 mg once weekly.
How much does Trulicity cost when it’s prescribed for weight loss?
Insurance does not typically cover Trulicity for weight loss because it is not an FDA-approved indication. Without insurance, Trulicity is about $1,388 for four 1.5 mg/0.5 mL autoinjector pens, which is a one-month supply. A free SingleCare coupon can help reduce that price to $853. Additionally, Trulicity may be covered if you also have Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
RELATED: 7 ways to save money on Trulicity
Other diabetic medications that cause weight loss
Trulicity is not an FDA-approved weight loss medication. Type 2 diabetes patients taking Trulicity to lower their blood sugar may also benefit from some weight loss while taking it.
Ozempic
Ozempic (semaglutide) is FDA-approved for adults with Type 2 diabetes, but it can also be prescribed off-label for weight loss. The SUSTAIN 7 clinical trial showed Ozempic to be superior to Trulicity, leading to twice as much weight loss in a six-month period. Wegovy is the brand-name version of semaglutide that is FDA-approved for weight loss in adults and children ages 12 years and older.
Victoza
Victoza (liraglutide) is another GLP-1 receptor agonist medication that is not FDA-approved for weight loss, and it has comparable weight loss results to Trulicity. The brand-name version of liraglutide, Saxenda, is FDA-approved for weight loss in overweight adults with one weight-related comorbid condition and obese adults and children ages 12 years and older. Liraglutide is also available as a generic medication.
Metformin
Metformin, a prescription diabetes drug in the sulfonylureas class, is typically the first-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes in adults and children ages 10 years and older. It has also been linked to weight loss, though it is not FDA-approved for it. The AWARD-3 trial showed similar rates of weight loss between patients treated by Trulicity and metformin.
Mounjaro
Tirzepatide is a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is available under the brand-name Mounjaro, which is only FDA-approved to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and children ages 10 years and older and cardiovascular event reduction in Type 2 diabetic adults who are at high risk. It is also available under the brand-name Zepbound, which is FDA-approved for weight loss and severe obstructive sleep apnea in obese adults.
Zepbound
Zepbound, like many GLP-1 drugs, has multiple dosing intervals. A 72-week study showed an average weight loss of 50 pounds in those taking Zepbound at the maximum tolerated dose (10 or 15 mg) compared to an average weight loss of 33 pounds in those taking Wegovy at the maximum tolerated dose (1.7 or 2.4 mg). Zepbound shows superior blood glucose control and weight loss compared to Trulicity.
You should not use any of these drugs for weight loss without the medical advice of your healthcare provider.
RELATED: Is it safe to take Trulicity and metformin together? | Trulicity alternatives
How to maximize Trulicity benefits
Trulicity is a once-weekly diabetes medication also approved to lower cardiovascular risk. It should not be given more often than once every seven days. It can be given at any time of the day without regard to meals. Do not mix Trulicity with other drugs, such as insulin. Each pen is labeled with the dose and is for single use only. Trulicity should be stored in the refrigerator, but it can be removed for a short period of time before the injection, as allowing it to reach room temperature may make the injection less painful.
Trulicity does not interact with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. It is also safe to consume caffeine in normal amounts while taking Trulicity. While alcohol is not contraindicated with Trulicity, it can increase the likelihood of stomach upset, diarrhea, or vomiting. Alcohol should be consumed responsibly and in limited amounts.
A healthy diet and regular exercise aid Trulicity weight loss. Your healthcare provider can direct you to other resources to take charge of your diet and exercise routines.
Frequently asked questions
Is Trulicity FDA-approved for weight loss?
No, Trulicity is not FDA-approved for weight loss, but it is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss and weight management.
What is the average weight loss with Trulicity?
In clinical trials, Trulicity patients on all doses with various starting weights saw an average weight loss of 6.6 to 10.1 pounds at 36 weeks after starting the medication. Those taking Trulicity 4.5 mg (the highest dose) with a BMI of 33.2 or greater saw an average weight loss of 12.3 pounds at 36 weeks.
Is Trulicity a weight loss drug?
No, Trulicity is not a weight loss drug. It is a Type 2 diabetes mellitus medication that has shown some weight loss benefit in patients taking it. Therefore, it is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.
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- Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes, Diabetes Spectrum (2017)
- With Trulicity, patients may be able to lose some weight, Eli Lilly
- Efficacy and Safety of Dulaglutide 3.0 mg and 4.5 mg Versus Dulaglutide 1.5 mg in Metformin-Treated Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in a Randomized Controlled Trial (AWARD-11), Diabetes Care (2021)
- Semaglutide versus dulaglutide once weekly in patients with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN 7): a randomised, open-label, phase 3b trial, Lancet Diabetes Endocrinology (2017)
- Once-weekly dulaglutide versus once-daily liraglutide in metformin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes (AWARD-6): a randomised, open-label, phase 3, non-inferiority trial, Lancet (2014)
- Efficacy and safety of dulaglutide monotherapy versus metformin in type 2 diabetes in a randomized controlled trial (AWARD-3), Diabetes Care (2014)
- Mounjaro prescribing information, Eli Lilly
- Beyond glycemia: Comparing tirzepatide to GLP-1 analogues, Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (2023)
- Efficacy and safety of tirzepatide monotherapy compared with dulaglutide in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS J-mono): a double-blind, multicentre, randomised, phase 3 trial, Lancet Diabetes Endocrinology (2022)
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