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Tama, Elif

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7595-9113

Mayo Clinic

Henry Ford Hospital

Citations 16

Cardiometabolic and ASCVD Outcomes Associated with Tirzepatide: Insights from a One-Year Multicenter Observational Study
Castaneda, Regina , Verastegui, Alfredo , Ghusn, Wissam , Bechenati, Dima , Espinosa, Maria A , Villamarin, Jose L. , Tama, Elif , Frederiksen, Kirsten , Acosta, Andrés , Ghusn, Wissam , Bechenati, Dima , Acosta, Andres , Villamarin, Jose , Verastegui, Alfredo , Tama, Elif , Castaneda, Regina , Gutiérrez, René de Jesús Rivera , Hurtado, Maria D.

Journal of the Endocrine Society | September 9, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1210/jendso/bvag210 Get It

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the association of long-term, continuous tirzepatide use with cardiometabolic risk parameters and estimated 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in real-world practice. Methods This multicenter retrospective observational study included 1,028 adults with overweight or obesity who received weekly subcutaneous tirzepatide for at least 12 months within the Mayo Clinic Health System from June 2022 through May 2024. ASCVD risk analyses included 275 individuals with complete baseline and 12-month follow-up data. Outcomes were changes in cardiometabolic parameters, estimated 10-year ASCVD risk, and ASCVD risk category. Results At 12 months, median total body weight loss (TBWL) was 12.6%. Fasting glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, and alanine aminotransferase decreased by 19.5%, 16.0%, 8.5%, and 10.6%, respectively, whereas HDL cholesterol increased by 11.3% (all P < .001). Mean 10-year ASCVD risk did not change significantly overall (mean relative change, −3.7%; P = .18), but changes differed by TBWL category (ANOVA, P < .001). ASCVD risk decreased among individuals achieving 10%–20% TBWL (−9.6%; P = .009) and >20% TBWL (−14.2%; P = .005), but not among those achieving <10% TBWL (+7.7%; P = .22). Low-risk prevalence increased from 38.3% to 46.4% (P < .001), with 11.7% transitioning from higher-risk categories to low risk. Main findings Continuous tirzepatide use for at least 12 months was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in cardiometabolic parameters. Reductions in estimated 10-year ASCVD risk were observed among individuals achieving at least 10% TBWL, supporting greater weight loss as an important marker of cardiovascular risk improvement.
Sex, Not Age, Predicts Weight Loss Outcomes With Tirzepatide: A Retrospective Analysis
Castaneda, Regina , Bechenati, Dima , Espinosa, Maria A., Villamarin, Jose L. , Tama, Elif , Safwan, Nancy , Fansa, Sima , Verastegui, Alfredo , McNally, Allyson W, Meek, Jesse L., Rajjo, Tamim , Shufelt, Chrisandra , Bechenati, Dima , Rivera Gutierrez, Rene de J , Espinosa, Maria A , Villamarin, Jose , Tama, Elif , Safwan, Nancy , Fansa, Sima , Verastegui, Alfredo , McNally, Allyson W , Mara, Kristin C , Winham, Stacey J , Rajjo, Tamim I , Acosta, Andres , Faubion, Stephanie S , Shufelt, Chrisandra L , Hurtado, Maria Daniela , Castaneda, Regina , Gutiérrez, René de Jesús Rivera , Mara, Kristin C. , Winham, Stacey J. , Acosta, Andrés , Faubion, Stephanie S. , Hurtado, Maria D.

Obesity | June 15, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1002/oby.70231 Get It

ABSTRACT Objective This study assessed the impact of sex and age on weight loss outcomes in patients receiving tirzepatide in real‐world clinical practice. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults with overweight or obesity who initiated tirzepatide at Mayo Clinic between June 2022 and May 2024 and completed ≥ 12 months of continuous therapy. Primary outcome was total body weight loss percentage (TBWL%) at 15 months, stratified by sex and age groups (≤ 45, 46–59, ≥ 60 years). Results Among 1039 patients (57% women; mean age 56 ± 11 years), women achieved significantly greater TBWL% than men after 15 months of treatment (15.1% vs. 10.7%, p < 0.001). Patients aged ≤ 45 years had greater weight loss than those ≥ 60 years (15.1% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.024). In multivariable analyses, greater weight loss was independently associated with female sex, absence of type 2 diabetes, no prior obesity medication use, no concomitant weight gain‐promoting medications, and higher tirzepatide dosage. Age was not an independent predictor. Conclusions Sex, but not age, predicted weight loss with tirzepatide among individuals using the medication continuously for ≥ 12 months. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating sex‐specific considerations into personalized obesity treatment strategies.
Leveraging the Individualized Metabolic Surgery Score to Predict Weight Loss with Tirzepatide in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity
Castaneda, Regina , Sepulveda, Diego, Gutierrez, Rene Rivera, Villamarin, Jose, Bechenati, Dima , Espinosa, Maria A., Verastegui, Alfredo , Tama, Elif , McNally, Allyson W, Bennett, Pamela K, Acosta, Andres, Andrade, Maria D. Hurtado, Acosta, Andrés , Hurtado, Maria D. , Villamarin, Jose L. , Sepulveda-Gonzalez, Diego , Bechenati, Dima , Hurtado, Maria Daniela , Acosta, Andres , Espinosa, Maria Antonia , Villamarin, Jose , Verastegui, Alfredo , Tama, Elif , McNally, Allyson W , Castaneda, Regina , Sepulveda, Diego , Gutiérrez, René de Jesús Rivera

Diabetology | January 5, 2026 | Volume: 7 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 10

10.3390/diabetology7010010 Get It

Background/Objectives: Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) achieve less total body weight loss (TBWL) with obesity medications compared to those without T2D. The individualized metabolic surgery (IMS) score, originally developed to predict T2D remission after bariatric surgery, inversely correlates with TBWL response to semaglutide. IMS reflects T2D severity, incorporating HbA1c and T2D duration and medication use. This study aims to evaluate TBWL with tirzepatide across IMS severity categories and identify predictors of response in a real-world cohort. Methods: This retrospective analysis included 717 adults with T2D using tirzepatide for overweight or obesity within the Mayo Clinic Health System. Patients were stratified by IMS severity (mild, moderate, severe) and quartiles. Primary endpoint: TBWL% at 15 months. Secondary endpoints: categorical thresholds (≥5%, ≥10%, ≥15%, ≥20%) and predictors of TBWL%. Linear mixed-effects models and regression models were employed. Results: At 15 months, TBWL was greater in mild versus severe IMS groups (14.8% vs. 11.0%, p = 0.015), with similar trends across quartiles. The proportion achieving ≥ 20% TBWL was nearly two-fold higher in mild versus severe IMS (27% vs. 14%, p = 0.03). Female sex independently predicted greater TBWL, whereas insulin use, higher T2D medication burden (particularly weight-promoting agents), and HbA1c > 7% were associated with less TBWL. Conclusions: Tirzepatide produced clinically meaningful TBWL across all IMS categories, although TBWL declined with increasing IMS severity. Glycemic control and T2D medication use emerged as strong predictors of TBWL. The IMS score may serve as a practical tool to anticipate weight-loss trajectories, guide personalized treatment decisions, and inform patient counseling.
MON-720 Beyond Age: Sex as the Key Weight Loss Predictor with Tirzepatide
Castaneda, Regina, Bechenati, Dima , Villamarin, Jose L. , Tama, Elif , Meek, Jesse Lu, Bennett, Pamela K, Castaneda, Regina, Gutiérrez, René de Jesús Rivera , Espinosa, Maria A, Meek, Jesse Lu, Acosta, Andrés , Faubion, Stephanie S. , Shufelt, Chrisandra , Hurtado, Maria D.

Journal of the Endocrine Society | October 23, 2025 | Volume: 9 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1210/jendso/bvaf149.055 Get It

Abstract Disclosure: R. Castaneda: None. D. Bechenati: None. R.D. Rivera Gutierrez: None. M.A. Espinosa: None. J.L. Villamarin: None. E. Tama: None. J.L. Meek: None. P. Bennett: None. A. Acosta: Novo Nordisk, Gila Therapeutics, Amgen Inc, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, General Mills, Currax, Nestle, Phenomix Sciences, Busch Health, RareDiseases, National Institute of Health, Vivus Pharmaceuticals, Apollo Endosurgery, Satiogen Pharmaceuticals, Spatz Medical. S. Faubion: Era Women’s Health Platform, PriMed, MedAll, AiCME, Medscape, Weight Watchers. C. Shufelt: Bayer Advisory Board. M.D. Hurtado: Novo Nordisk, National Institute of Health, Phenomix. Introduction: Tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, is an FDA-approved medication demonstrating the highest efficacy for weight loss among currently available treatments. However, the influence of sex and age on weight loss outcomes with tirzepatide remains unclear. Objective: To investigate the influence of sex and age on weight loss outcomes in patients treated with tirzepatide. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated weight loss outcomes associated with tirzepatide across sex and age groups. Patients with active malignancy, prior bariatric surgery, or concurrent anti-obesity medication were excluded. The primary endpoint was total body weight loss percentage (TBWL%) at 15 months by sex and age. The influence of age was analyzed as a categorical (≤45, 46-59, ≥60 years) and continuous variable. Secondary outcomes included TBWL% at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months by sex and age. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multivariate regression; results are reported as mean ± standard deviation. Results: The study included 1033 patients (57.1% female; mean age 56 ± 11 years; mean BMI, 37.7 ± 8 kg/m2). By age category, 18.8% (196) were ≤45 years (35.7% males, 64.3% females), 45.9% (473) were 46-59 years (42.7% males, 57.3% females), and 35.3% (364) were ≥60 years (54.7% males, 45.3% females). At all timepoints, TBWL was significantly greater in females compared to males at all timepoints. At 15 months females had a higher TBWL than males: 15.3% ± 10, n=340, vs. 10.2% ± 8, n=244, (p &lt; 0.001). Among females, premenopausal women achieved a higher TBWL than postmenopausal women: 16.9% ± 10 vs 14.4% ± 9, p = 0.04. Analysis by age groups revealed a trend toward higher TBWL in younger patients that did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.152): ≤45 years (14.7% ± 10%), 46-59 years (12.9% ± 10%), and ≥60 years (12.7% ± 9%). After adjusting for baseline age, BMI, and diabetes status, sex remained a strong predictor for weight loss outcomes (PE= 4.5, 95% CI [2.96, 5.97], p &lt; 0.001), following type 2 diabetes status (PE= 4.8, 95% CI [3.0, 6.7], p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Sex but not age was a strong predictor of weight loss with tirzepatide. Female sex was associated with greater weight loss than male sex. These results emphasize the importance of considering sex-specific factors in weight loss strategies and warrant further investigation into the underlying biological mechanisms. Differential weight loss by menopause, underscores the role of sex hormones. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025
MON-829 Sex-Specific Cardiometabolic Benefits of Tirzepatide: A Real-World Study on ASCVD Risk Mitigation
Bechenati, Dima, Castaneda, Regina, Villamarin, Jose L. , Tama, Elif , Meek, Jesse Lu, Taaffe, Tina M, Bennett, Pamela K, Gutiérrez, René de Jesús Rivera , Castaneda, Regina, Espinosa, Maria A, Meek, Jesse Lu, Acosta, Andrés , Faubion, Stephanie S. , Shufelt, Chrisandra , Hurtado, Maria D.

Journal of the Endocrine Society | October 23, 2025 | Volume: 9 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1210/jendso/bvaf149.068 Get It

Abstract Disclosure: R.D. Rivera Gutierrez: None. D. Bechenati: None. R. Castaneda: None. M.A. Espinosa: None. J.L. Villamarin: None. E. Tama: None. J.L. Meek: None. T.M. Taaffe: None. P.K. Bennett: None. A.J. Acosta: Novo Nordisk, Gila Therapeutics, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Amgen Inc, General Mills, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, Currax, Nestle, Phenomix Sciences, Busch Health, RareDiseases, National Institute of Health, Vivus Pharmaceuticals, Apollo Endosurgery, Satiogen Pharmaceuticals, Spatz Medical. S. Faubion: Era Women’s Health Platform, PriMed, AiCME, MedAll, Medscape, Weight Watchers. C. Shufelt: Bayer Advisory Board. M.D. Hurtado: Novo Nordisk, National Institute of Health, Phenomix Sciences. Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have demonstrated cardiovascular (CV) benefits. Tirzepatide (TZP), a dual GLP-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist approved for weight management and glycemic control, currently lacks evidence on CV outcomes. This study evaluates TZP’s impact on cardiometabolic parameters and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk scores. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of adults prescribed TZP from June 1, 2022, to November 1, 2024. Inclusion criteria included 12 months of TZP use and age &gt;18 years. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy, active malignancy, concurrent FDA-approved antiobesity medications, and prior bariatric surgery. Endpoints included changes in blood pressure, lipid profiles, liver enzymes, glucose control parameters, medication use (statins, aspirin, antihypertensives), and ASCVD risk scores from baseline to 12 months, stratified by sex. Data were obtained from electronic medical records. We present data as mean differences [95% CI]. We used T-tests and multivariate regression analyses for analyses. Results: Among 831 participants (59.4% female; 91.2% White; mean age: 58 ± 12 years), 12-month weight loss was -12% [-13, -11], p&lt;0.001. We observed significant improvement in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (-4 [-5, -3] mmHg, p&lt;0.001), triglycerides (TG) (-38 [-52, -23] mg/dL, p&lt;0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (-7 [-10, -4] mg/dL, p&lt;0.001), LDL cholesterol (LDL) (-6 [-9, -4] mg/dL, p&lt;0.001), fasting glucose (FG) (-39 [-48, -29] mg/dL, p&lt;0.001), ALT (-10 [-15, -5] U/L, p&lt;0.001), HbA1c (-1.3% [-1.5, -1.2], p&lt;0.001), and HDL cholesterol (HDL) (+4 [+3, +5] mg/dL, p&lt;0.001). The Lifetime and 10-year ASCVD scores did not significantly change after 12 months (p&gt;0.05), underscoring TZP’s potential in mitigating the aging-associated increase in CV risk. Considering sex, females had greater weight loss (-13% [-14, -12] vs. -10% [-11, -9], p&lt;0.001), and greater improvements in TC (-5% [-8, -2] vs -3% [-6, 0.1], p&lt;0.001) and LDL (-10% [-14, -6] vs -4% [-8, 1], p&lt;0.001). Males had a greater reduction in DBP (-2% [-4, -1] vs (-1% [-6, 3], p=0.006). Both males and females demonstrated similar improvements in FG and HbA1c. Conclusion: TZP significantly improved CV and metabolic parameters after 12 months, with greater benefits observed in females. These improvements effectively mitigated the age-related rise in ASCVD risk scores. Larger, prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and further investigate TZP’s long-term CV effects. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025
The association between previous use of anti‐obesity medication and semaglutide weight loss outcomes
Ghusn, Wissam , Fansa, Sima , Añazco, Diego , Tama, Elif , Cifuentes, Lizeth , Gala, Khushboo , Rosa, Alan De la , Sacoto, Daniel , Feris, Fauzi , Hurtado, Daniela, De la Rosa, Alan, Ghusn, Wissam , Anazco, Diego , Campos, Alejandro , Acosta, Andrés

Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism | March 12, 2024 | Volume: 26 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 2167-2175

10.1111/dom.15523 Get It

Abstract Aims To compare weight loss outcomes between patients starting semaglutide who had previously been on another anti‐obesity medication (AOM) compared to those who were AOM‐naïve. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective study in patients with overweight or obesity taking semaglutide for weight loss for a duration of 3 to 12 months. Our primary endpoint was assessment of percentage of total body weight loss (TBWL) in patients who started semaglutide as their first AOM (AOM‐naïve) compared to those who started semaglutide and had previously taken another AOM (non‐AOM‐naïve). The secondary outcome was a comparison of the proportions of patients achieving ≥5%, ≥10%, ≥15% and ≥20% TBWL between the groups. Our endpoints were analysed using independent t ‐tests and ANOVA/ANCOVA for continuous variables and Pearson's test for categorical variables. Results This study included 305 patients. Outcomes of semaglutide treatment were superior in AOM‐naïve patients ( n = 231) compared to non‐AOM‐naïve patients ( n = 74) at 3 (6.3% vs. 3.8%), 6 (10.6% vs. 6.7%), 9 (14.0% vs. 9.1%) and 12 months (14.3% vs. 10.6%; p < 0.0001 at 3, 6 and 9 months, and p = 0.01 at 12 months). A greater proportion of patients in the AOM‐naïve group achieved a TBWL ≥ 15% (48% vs 21%; p = 0.02) and ≥20% (27% vs 4% p < 0.01) at 12 months. Conclusion The use of semaglutide in patients with previous intake of other AOMs was associated with inferior weight loss outcomes in comparison to patients who were AOM‐naïve.
Weight loss response to semaglutide in postmenopausal women with and without hormone therapy use
Tama, Elif , Fansa, Sima , Añazco, Diego , Hurtado, Maria D. , Ghusn, Wissam , Acosta, Andrés , Faubion, Stephanie S. , Shufelt, Chrisandra

Menopause | March 6, 2024 | Volume: 31 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 266-274

10.1097/gme.0000000000002310 Get It

Abstract Objective To compare weight loss response and changes in cardiometabolic risk markers in postmenopausal women using semaglutide with and without menopause hormone therapy (HT) use. Methods Retrospective cohort study of postmenopausal women treated with semaglutide for overweight or obesity for ≥3 months. Endpoints: total body weight loss percentage (TBWL%) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after semaglutide initiation; and percentage of women achieving ≥5% and ≥10% TBWL and changes in cardiometabolic risk markers (glucose, blood pressure, and lipids) at 12 months. Results There were 16 women on HT and 90 on no-HT; mean age 56 ± 8 vs 59 ± 8 yr, P = 0.2 and mean BMI 36 ± 5 vs 39 ± 8 kg/m2, P = 0.1; respectively. Among women on no-HT, White race, dyslipidemia, and depression were more prevalent. Women on HT had a higher TBWL% at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months: 7 ± 3% vs 5 ± 4%, P = 0.01; 13 ± 6% vs 9 ± 5%, P = 0.01; 15 ± 6% vs 10 ± 6%, P = 0.02; and 16 ± 6% vs 12 ± 8%, P = 0.04; respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, this association remained significant across time. At 12 months, a greater percentage of women on HT achieved ≥5% and ≥10% TBWL. Both groups experienced an improvement in cardiometabolic risk markers. Conclusion In postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity treated with semaglutide, HT use was associated with an improved weight loss response. This association was maintained when adjusted for confounders. Larger studies should be conducted to confirm these results.
Efficacy of Antiobesity Medications in Patients With Celiac Disease on a Gluten-free Diet
Añazco, Diego , Fansa, Sima , Gala, Khushboo, Nicolalde, Bryan , Tama, Elif , Bledsoe, Adam C. , Anazco, Diego , Ghusn, Wissam , Gala, Khushboo , Calderon-Lopez, Gerardo , Hurtado, Maria D. , Murray, Joseph A. , Acosta, Andrés

Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology | November 20, 2023 | Volume: 58 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 650-655

10.1097/mcg.0000000000001931 Get It

Goals: We aim to describe the weight loss outcomes of patients with celiac disease (CeD) taking antiobesity medications (AOMs) and compare it with the weight loss outcomes of patients without CeD taking AOMs. Background: Increasing rates of obesity and obesity-associated comorbidities have been previously reported in patients with CeD on a gluten-free diet. The effectiveness of AOMs in this population has not been previously described. Methods: In our retrospective cohort study, we matched 39 patients with treated CeD to 78 patients without CeD based on sex and AOM. We assessed the weight loss outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months after starting the AOM in both cohorts and analyzed if there was a differential response when comparing by type of AOM [injectable glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists vs. oral non-GLP-1 AOMs]. Results: Both cohorts had similar baseline demographic and anthropometric characteristics. At 12 months, the CeD cohort had a nonsignificantly inferior total body weight loss percentage compared with the cohort without CeD (6.5% vs. 9.5%, P=0.13). The CeD cohort had a similar proportion of patients achieving a total body weight loss percentage of ≥5% than the cohort without CeD (72.7% vs. 72.1%, P=1.00). No significant difference was observed when comparing the weight loss outcomes of injectables (GLP-1 receptor agonists) to oral AOMs. The proportion of patients reporting side effects was similar for both groups, regardless of the type of AOM. Conclusion: Patients with CeD taking AOMs had similar weight loss outcomes to patients without CeD. Hence, AOMs can be a safe and effective therapy for weight management in patients with CeD.
Severe Insulin Resistance in a Patient Treated With Nivolumab and Brentuximab-Vedotin for Hodgkin Lymphoma
Tama, Elif , Black, Meghan, Hurtado, Maria D. , Hurtado, Maria Daniela , Tama, Elif , Moustafa, Muhamad Alhaj

JCEM Case Reports | November 7, 2023 | Volume: 1 | Issue: 6 | Pages: No page available

10.1210/jcemcr/luad121 Get It

Abstract This is a case of a 26-year-old male patient, with relapsing Hodgkin lymphoma, treated with nivolumab and brentuximab-vedotin, who was admitted with hyperglycemia and severe insulin resistance requiring approximately 2000 units of intravenous insulin per day. He had no prior diagnosis of diabetes. He was eventually diagnosed with massive cytokine release and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis that led to multi-organ failure and death. The mechanisms behind the hyperglycemia with severe insulin resistance remain unclear but are possibly related to hyperinflammation and immune dysregulation resulting from massive cytokine release. Nivolumab among other immunotherapeutic agents, brentuximab-vedotin, and lymphoid malignancies are rare but known risk factors for massive cytokine release and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
S1666 Association of Resting Energy Expenditure and Satiation Parameters in Patients With Obesity
Cifuentes, Lizeth , Fansa, Sima , Tama, Elif , Gala, Khushboo , Añazco, Diego , Calderon-Lopez, Gerardo , Ghusn, Wissam , Hurtado, Maria D. , Acosta, Andrés

American Journal of Gastroenterology | October 18, 2023 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 10S | Pages: S1246-S1246

10.14309/01.ajg.0000956304.39065.4e Get It