How Does Tirzepatide Work for Weight Loss

Tirzepatide is part of a growing movement of revolutionary weight-loss medications. Originally touted as a diabetes treatment, healthcare providers can now prescribe it to non-diabetics struggling with obesity. 

It might sound too good to be true–an injectable solution that can squash your hunger and leave you feeling energized–but there’s plenty of evidence that tirzepatide is the future of prescription weight loss. 

Join us for the full rundown on this popular peptide!

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) originally prescribed to control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. While it’s still widely used in this way, it’s now approved as a weight loss drug for non-diabetics. 

The synthesized peptides in tirzepatide mimic natural hormones that your body produces when you eat. They tell your pancreas to start producing insulin and send signals to your brain that your stomach is full. 

Sounds pretty amazing, right? 

Tirzepatide has proven to be a game-changer for people struggling to lose weight. In fact, studies repeatedly show that it can help people reduce their body mass index (BMI) and improve their cardiovascular health. 

Of course, side effects like nausea, vomiting, and constipation do occur. Your doctor can help you decide if you’re a good candidate for this medication. 

How is it different from semaglutide? 

Semaglutide, the popular weight-loss medication sold as Ozempic or Wegovy, only contains one property of tirzepatide, the GLP-1 receptor agonist. 

Both weight loss drugs are administered weekly via subcutaneous injections, but only tirzepatide packs the one-two punch. Studies have shown that tirzepatide is more effective than semaglutide and a better value for the money. 

What are Tirzepatide’s uses?

While tirzepatide was originally prescribed to help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar, it’s gaining traction as an effective weight-loss drug. It also encourages insulin secretion and reduces hyperglycemia.

Who should receive Tirzepatide?

In addition to people with type 2 diabetes, those struggling with obesity are also good candidates for tirzepatide. Patients are encouraged to use the medication in combination with diet and exercise. 

How does Tirzepatide help in weight loss?

One early study found that participants who took tirzepatide over a 72-week period lost as much as 20 percent of their body weight, as opposed to those in the placebo group, who only lost 2.5 percent. Another resulted in subjects losing an average of 22 pounds of body weight. 

Several mechanisms of the obesity medication made this possible. 

Your brain is told you are full

Every time you eat, your gut secretes both GLP-1 and GIP hormones, which essentially tell your brain that you’re full. Tirzepatize mimics this process. However, these long-lasting peptides stay in your system much longer than those occurring naturally, so that feeling of satiety sticks around. 

Tirzepatide helps increase energy

Most of us have experienced the dreaded sugar crash after indulging in our favorite sweet treats. This is caused by spikes in blood sugar. Because tirzepatide increases insulin secretion, it can help regulate your blood sugar and avoid that afternoon slump. 

The digestion process is slowed down with Tirzepatide

In addition to sending messages to the appropriate receptors, tirzepatide slows digestion so you feel fuller longer. Unsurprisingly, prolonging the process of gastric emptying helps you feel satiated. 

Since food moves through your digestive tract more slowly, constipation is possible. But it’s usually mild and easily treated with over-the-counter diuretics. 

Benefits of Tirzepatide 

Now that you know how tirzepatide functions as a weight-loss medication, you might also want to know some of the other perks. Here are a few other benefits to look forward to. 

Tirzepatide dosages are easy to manage

You’ll start your treatment with a low dose of 2.5mg per week, which helps your body adjust to the medication. You can increase by 2.5mg each month, up to a maximum of 15mg. However, many patients see results at lower dosages and never need to reach the highest amount. 

The most obvious benefit is weight loss

Many people are naturally drawn to tirzepatide to fast-track their weight-loss goals. And it’s no wonder—study after study confirms that it’s highly effective! Many believe this revolutionary medication will change how we approach weight loss in the future, and we understand why. 

When reaching a healthy weight, there’s less chance of heart disease

Of course, losing weight comes with a host of other fantastic health benefits. When you lower your BMI, you also reduce your risk of heart disease. You might find that your blood pressure is lower and you have more energy to do the things you love. 

Balanced Health and Wellness is here to introduce the magic of Tirzepatide!

If you’re ready to look and feel your best, Balanced Health and Wellness is here to help. We’re passionate about helping our patients reach their goals and feel great getting there! 

Whether you’re looking for prescription weight-loss options, hormone replacement therapy, or laser hair removal, we offer it all. Visit our Lakeland med spa or schedule an online appointment today. We can’t wait to help you make your dreams a reality!