Tirzepatide is the latest prescription weight loss medication making waves, and early clinical trials show it leads to significantly more weight loss than other popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. For those looking to lose a substantial amount of weight, tirzepatide could be a total game changer.
In this article, we'll give you the full rundown on tirzepatide so you can decide if it's the right choice for you. We'll explore what tirzepatide is, how it works in your body to spur weight loss, results from studies on its effectiveness, and what kind of weight loss timeline you can expect.
What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection approved by the FDA in two different formulations:
- Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection used for lowering blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It was approved by the FDA in May 2022 as an adjunct treatment for improving glycemic control. 1
- Zepbound is a once-weekly injection that was FDA-approved in November 2023 specifically for chronic weight management in adults who have obesity, defined as a BMI of 30 or higher. It can also be used for overweight adults with a BMI of 27 or more who have at least one weight-related health issue such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea. 2
What makes tirzepatide stand out is that it activates two receptors in the body, GIP and GLP-1, that work together to lower blood sugar and reduce appetite. By targeting both receptors, tirzepatide provides greater health benefits than similar drugs that only activate GLP-1. 3
How Does Tirzepatide Work?
Unlike other medications that target only one pathway, tirzepatide takes a dual approach by activating both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This innovative combination provides enhanced effects on blood sugar control and weight loss. 3
GLP-1 and GIP are natural hormones released after meals that work together to keep blood sugar levels in check and promote satiety. 3 Tirzepatide was engineered to mimic their actions:
- Tirzepatide stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas when blood sugar rises after eating. This helps shuttle excess glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells.
- Tirzepatide suppressed glucose production by the liver between meals. This prevents blood sugar spikes.
- Tirzepatide activates areas of the brain that regulate appetite. As a result, it promotes feelings of fullness and slows stomach emptying. 3
Does Tirzepatide Lead to Weight Loss?
Tirzepatide has been found to be effective in promoting weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing the feeling of fullness, leading to a decrease in calorie intake.
This medication mimics two hormones that are responsible for controlling hunger and satiety - GLP-1 and GIP. 3 This means that tirzepatide's effects are stronger than other medications that only target one hormone, like semaglutide. 4
Clinical trials have shown that Tirzepatide can lead to significant weight loss. In a 72-week study of over 2,500 overweight or obese participants without diabetes, researchers found that those taking Tirzepatide lost an impressive amount of weight. 5 The amount of weight lost depended on the dosage taken by participants:
- Participants taking 5 mg lost 35.5 pounds
- Participants taking 10 mg lost 48.9 pounds
- Participants taking 15 mg lost 52 pounds 5
While tirzepatide can significantly suppress appetite and hunger, the medication works best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. 3 Study participants followed a reduced-calorie meal plan, got 150 minutes of exercise per week, and received counseling from a dietitian. 5
Tirzepatide for Weight Loss: Eligibility
As of now, Zepbound is the only tirzepatide medication approved for weight loss. To qualify for Zepbound, you must satisfy one of these requirements:
- A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
OR
- A BMI of 27 or greater, coupled with at least one weight-related complication like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease. 3
BMI is a metric used to gauge body fat based on an individual's height and weight. By assessing your BMI, your healthcare provider can categorize you into different groups:
- BMI below 18.5: Underweight
- BMI 18.5 to 24.9: Healthy Weight
- BMI 25 to 29.9: Overweight
- BMI above 30: Obese 6
Your doctor will calculate your BMI during your appointment to determine if your weight level makes you an appropriate candidate for tirzepatide. But BMI isn't the only deciding factor - your physician will also review your full medical history and current health status before writing a prescription. This comprehensive evaluation helps ensure that tirzepatide is a safe and effective option for you.
Tirzepatide Weight Loss Timeline
The speed at which you lose weight on tirzepatide depends on several factors.
First, it takes time to determine your optimal dosage. When you start tirzepatide, your doctor will prescribe a low dose for the first month to allow your body to adjust and minimize side effects. After that, your doctor will gradually increase your dose every four weeks until the most effective dose is found for you. Some people lose weight on a lower dose, while others need a higher dose, affecting how quickly you lose weight. 3
A typical dosing schedule is:
- Month 1: 5 mg of tirzepatide injected weekly
- Month 2: 5 mg of tirzepatide injected weekly
- After month 2: If needed, your doctor may increase your dose by 2.5 mg at a time, waiting at least four weeks between increases. 3
But finding the right dosage isn't the only factor that affects your weight loss journey. Your diet and activity level can also impact your progress. 3 Therefore, it's essential to make lifestyle changes that support your weight loss goals.
Remember, tirzepatide is not a magic solution that will make you lose weight overnight. It's a tool that, when used correctly, can aid in your weight loss journey. The combination of finding the right tirzepatide dose and making lifestyle changes will determine how quickly you can lose weight on this medication.
Conclusion
Tirzepatide is an exciting new weight loss medication that is proving more effective than previous options like semaglutide. Clinical studies have shown that people taking tirzepatide lose significant amounts of weight.
However, no prescription medication for weight loss works alone. To maximize your results with tirzepatide or any other medication, it’s essential to also adopt healthy lifestyle changes. Regular exercise, nutritious whole foods, and portion control will all complement your medication’s effects. Lifestyle changes build new habits that help you not just lose but keep weight off long-term.
The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical conditions, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
