Trulicity (dulaglutide) is not a weight loss drug, but people receiving it may lose weight. Higher doses of Trulicity typically result in more weight loss.
Trulicity is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the following uses:
- to lower blood sugar levels in adults and some children with type 2 diabetes, along with changes in diet and exercise
- to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems, such as heart attack and stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes who have, or are at risk of having heart disease
The FDA has not approved Trulicity as a weight loss medication, but some doctors may prescribe it off-label for this purpose. With off-label use, a drug is prescribed for a condition it isn’t approved to treat.
Trulicity comes as a liquid solution inside prefilled disposable pens (with one dose per pen). You inject the drug under your skin once per week. The average amount of weight people lost in Trulicity’s clinical studies varied depending on the dosage strength they were receiving.
Trulicity is available in four strengths:
- 0.75 milligrams (mg) per 0.5 milliliters (mL) or 0.75 mg/0.5 mL of liquid solution
- 1.5 mg/0.5 mL of liquid solution
- 3 mg/0.5 mL of liquid solution
- 4.5 mg/0.5 mL of liquid solution
The weight loss in pounds (lb) shown here represents the average after 36 weeks of Trulicity treatment. For reference, 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 lb
| Weekly dose | Weight loss at 36 weeks |
|---|---|
| 1.5 mg | 6.6 lb |
| 3 mg | 8.4 lb |
| 4.5 mg | 10.1 lb |
For those receiving the lowest dose of .75 mg, there was actually a very small amount of weight gain (.4 lb) at 36 weeks.
Trulicity contains the active drug dulaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.
Dulaglutide triggers specific cells in your pancreas to release insulin when sugar is present in your bloodstream. Insulin helps decrease your blood sugar levels by moving the sugar into your cells.
Trulicity also blocks a hormone called glucagon, which typically directs your liver to break down stored sugar and release it into your bloodstream. Blocking glucagon action further reduces the level of sugar in your blood.
Maintaining optimal blood sugar levels enables your body to burn fat for energy as opposed to storing it. This helps with weight loss.
Trulicity increases the time it takes for food to move through your stomach. This helps keep your blood sugar level from spiking suddenly after you eat. It also helps you feel full longer, so you’re likely to eat less overall.
Apart from blood sugar management, Trulicity’s side effects can potentially lead to weight loss. Commonly reported side effects of this drug include:
Other mild side effects include diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting.
A healthcare professional prescribes Trulicity along with diet and exercise changes. These may help you reach or maintain a weight that’s right for you.
If you’re trying to lose weight, talk with your doctor about the most effective treatment plan for you.
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