TIRZEPARTIDE AND WEIGHT LOSS-RELATED ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze scientific evidence regarding the relationship between tirzepatide use and weight-loss-related dependency behaviors in individuals with obesity or overweight. An integrative literature review was conducted. Articles published between 2021 and 2025 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, sourced from PubMed and the CAPES Journal Portal, were included, totaling 502 initially identified studies. Following the application of eligibility criteria, articles were selected according to a flowchart; as this was a literature review based on publicly accessible data, approval by a Research Ethics Committee was not required, in accordance with CNS Resolution No. 510/2016. The selected studies predominantly presented high-quality methodological evidence, demonstrating that tirzepatide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists promote significant weight loss, improved quality of life, and a favorable safety profile without evidence of pharmacological dependency, although gaps remain regarding psychological behaviors associated with weight loss. The evidence indicates that tirzepatide is effective and safe for treating obesity and is not associated with pharmacological dependency, although factors such as the fear of weight regain may foster weight-loss-related behaviors. Thus, further studies are needed to investigate the psychological and behavioral impacts of the long-term use of this medication.