Combining the Allurion Program with low-dose tirzepatide increases lean body mass

The initial results of a study assessing the combination of the Allurion Program with low-dose tirzepatide therapy to optimize muscle mass and GLP-1 adherence, has reported that after 12 months, the average total body weight loss was 23%, and lean body mass as a percentage of total body weight increased by 14% from 62% to 70%.

“These results provide additional data that a combination approach with the Allurion Smart Capsule and GLP-1 medications has several advantages,” said Dr Luigi Flagiello, an expert in minimally invasive obesity care at Clinica Ruesch who oversaw this case series. “By combining these two therapies that have distinct physiological mechanisms of action and following patients closely using AI-powered virtual care, we can unlock increased weight loss while still increasing lean mass. By using lower doses of GLP-1s, we also show exceptional adherence to the GLP-1, which can lead to longer term weight maintenance.”

In total, 76 patients treated with the Allurion Smart Capsule were started on low-dose tirzepatide after completing their first 45 days of balloon therapy. The starting dose of tirzepatide was 2.5mg and increased to no greater than 5.0mg over the subsequent two months, considerably lower than standard dosing which can increase to 15mg. Tirzepatide therapy was continued for eight months and final results were measured two months after discontinuation, for a total follow-up period of 12 months. Patients were followed using the AI-powered Virtual Care Suite as part of the Allurion Program.

No patients discontinued early, and all patients remained adherent to tirzepatide for the duration of the study.

Previous studies in patients undergoing GLP-1 therapy have demonstrated reductions in lean mass of approximately 40% as a proportion of total weight lost1 and have also shown that 30% of patients discontinue GLP-1 therapy within the first month and 58% discontinue before reaching a clinically meaningful health benefit, due in part to side effects, dose escalation required for continued weight loss, and cost.

In addition, a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that following withdrawal of tirzepatide, a higher degree of weight regain was associated with a greater reversal of initial improvements in waist circumference, blood pressure, non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycaemic parameters, and insulin resistance¹.

“We now have initial data for both low-dose semaglutide and tirzepatide in combination with the Allurion Program that addresses two significant challenges for GLP-1s—muscle wasting and lack of adherence,” said Dr Shantanu Gaur, Founder and CEO of Allurion. “A combination approach that leverages Allurion’s full program, which includes the Smart Capsule, our AI-powered Virtual Care Suite, and our behavior change program, appears to be a compelling solution. We look forward to validating these results in a prospective clinical trial setting and are optimistic that this could become a new standard of care for patients who want metabolically healthy weight loss.”

Additional data on the combination approach is being collected as part of this case series and is expected to be presented at upcoming medical meetings.

Reference

1. Horn DB, Linetzky B, Davies MJ, et al. Cardiometabolic Parameter Change by Weight Regain on Tirzepatide Withdrawal in Adults With Obesity: A Post Hoc Analysis of the SURMOUNT-4 Trial. JAMA Intern Med. Published online November 24, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.6112