TRULICITY® (DULAGLUTIDE) FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Trulicity® (dulaglutide) is Trulicity® is the brand name for dulaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist (or GLP-1) medication. It is a once-weekly injectable medication and one of several GLP-1 medications prescribed by Calibrate clinicians as a part of our Metabolic Reset program.

Trulicity® is FDA-approved and indicated primarily for the management of type-2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar by stimulating insulin release and slowing down digestion, giving patients better control over their glucose levels. 

But what is Trulicity® for, beyond diabetes? Increasingly, Trulicity® has been observed to promote weight loss, making it a dual-purpose treatment for many individuals. While its FDA-approved use is for managing type-2 diabetes, Trulicity®’s role in weight management is gaining attention—with several clinical studies showing that the drug can assist in weight loss for those with overweight and obesity.

Read on to learn more.

Trulicity®, like other GLP-1 drugs, works by mimicking the natural incretin hormones that your body produces. 

Incretin hormones signal to the brain, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems that food has been consumed. This results in a complex cascade of hormones and neurotransmitters which effectively communicate feelings of satiety (feeling full) and slow down the rate at which food leaves your stomach (making you feel fuller for longer).

In addition, GLP-1 medications can improve blood sugar levels in people living with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. As explained by the manufacturer, Trulicity® “helps your pancreas release insulin in response to high levels of sugar in your blood after you eat” and “can limit how much sugar gets into your blood from your liver.”

When combined with healthy lifestyle choices, like small changes to food and exercise, Trulicity® has shown promise in helping people lose weight. It is particularly effective when used in conjunction with a holistic program that helps you make steady adjustments to your lifestyle to promote metabolic health.

Several clinical studies have explored the effects of Trulicity® (dulaglutide) on weight loss. Below are some of the key findings from notable studies:

1. AWARD-11 Clinical Trial (2018–2020)

The AWARD-11 trial was conducted between 2018 and 2020 to evaluate the effects of different doses of Trulicity® on weight and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study compared 1.5 mg, 3 mg, and 4.5 mg doses of Trulicity® over 52 weeks. 

Results showed that patients taking the higher doses (3 mg and 4.5 mg) experienced greater weight loss compared to those on the standard 1.5 mg dose. Specifically,

The 4.5 mg group lost an average of 4.7 kg (10.4 lbs).

The 3 mg group lost an average of 3.7 kg (8.2 lbs).

The 1.5 mg group lost an average of 2.7 kg (6 lbs).

Source: AWARD-11 Study - Clinicaltrials.gov

2. AWARD-6 Trial (2012–2014)

The AWARD-6 trial took place from 2012 to 2014, comparing Trulicity® (dulaglutide) 1.5 mg with another GLP-1 medication, liraglutide (brand names Saxenda® and Victoza®) 1.8 mg over 26 weeks in patients with type-2 diabetes. While the primary goal was to assess blood sugar control, weight loss was also evaluated. Both medications resulted in modest weight loss:

Trulicity® (dulaglutide) users lost an average of 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs).

Liraglutide users lost an average of 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs).

Source: AWARD-6 Study - PubMed

3. REWIND Study (2011–2018)

The REWIND study, conducted from 2011 to 2018, evaluated the long-term cardiovascular outcomes of Trulicity® (dulaglutide) in people with type 2 diabetes, with weight loss as a secondary outcome. Over a median of 5.4 years, patients taking Trulicity® experienced a modest but sustained weight loss of around 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) compared to the placebo group.

Source: REWIND Study - The Lancet

As is the case with all GLP-1s, Trulicity® makes it easier to lose weight and stick to healthy habits—but it’s more effective when used in combination with lifestyle interventions, a.k.a. habit adjustments to support metabolic health and avoid weight regain. This may include modifications to what you eat, how and when you exercise, and other healthy lifestyle changes. 

Calibrate’s Metabolic Reset combines GLP-1 medication with evidence-based lifestyle recommendations to help participants maximize their success with Trulicity®. They’re called the Four Pillars of Metabolic Health, and they include food, sleep, exercise, and emotional Health.

Throughout your Calibrate program, you’ll work your way through a curriculum developed by a world-class medical advisory board that teaches you how to integrate healthy changes into your day-to-day routine, taking a science-based approach to weight loss. You’ll learn how to eat more whole foods and fewer fast-digesting carbohydrates, improve sleep quality, participate in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, and develop strategies for managing stressors. 

Through the Calibrate curriculum, both your mind and body will be set up for sustainable progress—allowing Trulicity® (or any other GLP-1 drug you might be prescribed, as clinically appropriate and insurance-eligible) to work even more effectively.

How to use Trulicity® is straightforward. The medication comes in a pre-filled pen that’s administered as a once-weekly injection. If prescribed Trulicity® by your Calibrate clinician, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to use your medication. However, here’s a high-level overview on what to expect when giving a Trulicity® injection:

Prepare the injection site: Choose an area such as your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Clean the area with alcohol.

Uncap the pen: Remove the grey base cap of the pen.

Place the pen against the skin: Hold the pen at a 90-degree angle to your skin.

Press the button: Once you hear a click, the injection has started. Keep the pen in place until the green bar stops moving, which takes about 5–10 seconds.

Many people begin to notice improvements in blood sugar levels within a few weeks of starting Trulicity®. However, the weight loss effects may take longer, with some individuals reporting changes after 4 to 6 weeks.

When to increase your Trulicity® dose

Trulicity® is typically prescribed in doses starting at 0.75 mg once a week, with adjustments made based on the individual’s response.

Your Calibrate clinician may recommend increasing your Trulicity® dose if the initial dose isn’t providing adequate blood sugar control or if you aren’t seeing the desired weight loss. The standard dosage increase is from 0.75 mg to 1.5 mg once weekly, but always follow your Calibrate clinician’s advice on timing and dosage adjustments. Increasing the dose too quickly can increase the risk of side effects, so it’s essential to work closely with your clinical team.