Tirzepatide significantly improves eGFR and reduces creatinine in adults with obesity after 3 months in real-world study

Obesity is a primary driver of chronic kidney disease (CKD), exacerbating kidney dysfunction through metabolic dysregulation and chronic inflammation. Current interventions often fall short in comprehensively addressing both obesity and its renal complications. Tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, has demonstrated robust efficacy in weight loss and metabolic control. However, real-world data specifically detailing its impact on kidney function in this population has been limited, highlighting a critical gap this study aimed to address.

This retrospective real-world study included 36 adults with overweight (BMI ≥ 27.0 kg/m²) or obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m²) and at least one weight-related comorbidity. Participants received weekly Tirzepatide (2.5-5 mg) via subcutaneous injection for a duration of 3 months. Researchers assessed anthropometric measurements, key metabolic markers (fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c), inflammatory status (hs-CRP), and kidney parameters (serum creatinine and eGFR calculated using the CKD-EPI equation) at both baseline and after the 3-month treatment period.

After 3 months of treatment, serum creatinine decreased significantly (p < 0.001), and accordingly, eGFR increased significantly (p < 0.001). Beyond kidney parameters, significant reductions were observed in body weight (p < 0.001), BMI (p < 0.001), and waist circumference (p < 0.001). Metabolic markers also improved, with fasting plasma glucose (p < 0.001), HbA1c (p = 0.002), insulin (p < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (p < 0.001) all showing significant decreases. Inflammatory status, as measured by hs-CRP levels, also improved significantly from baseline (p < 0.001).