Originally, Tirzepatide was developed as a groundbreaking drug for type 2 diabetes management. It demonstrated a profound impact on patients' blood glucose levels, leading to its widespread acceptance in the medical field. However, scientists soon discovered an exciting secondary benefit: patients were also experiencing significant weight loss.

Researchers dove into exploring Tirzepatide as a weight loss therapy, and the results have been astounding. In fact, Tirzepatide is quickly becoming the most sought after compound in the weight loss industry, offering hope to millions striving for healthier lives.

Tirzepatide is a polypeptide that serves as an analog of the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which reduces blood sugar and regulates appetite, as well as another hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which enhances the appetite control effects of GLP-1 and increases fat utilization by the body.

As a dual GLP-1 and GIP agonist, Tirzepatide shows greater weight loss results than Semaglutide in clinical trials by reducing appetite, increasing the rate at which the body burns fat, and by lowering the body's "set point" – the weight your body naturally settles at due to an interplay of genetics, biology, and environment.

In this article, we're going to cover the mechanics of how Tirzepatide aids in weight loss, discuss its effectiveness compared to other treatments, and consider its benefits and possible side effects.

How Does Tirzepatide Compare to the Medication Mounjaro®?

Upon discovery of the enhanced weight loss from a dual GLP-1 and GIP agonist, pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly pursued this novel idea, eventually creating the “twincretin” known as Tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro®).

Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Mounjaro® and available in generic form from compounding pharmacies at significantly lower prices.

Understanding the Health Crisis Related to Obesity and Weight Management

Obesity and being overweight are two terms that, unfortunately, many of us are all too familiar with. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 42% of adults in the United States are considered obese. That's almost half of the population struggling with a condition that significantly impacts their quality of life.

Now, when we talk about obesity and being overweight, we're not just addressing physical appearance. These conditions pose serious health risks such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. And if that wasn't enough, they also take a toll on emotional health, often leading to low self-esteem and depression.

But what leads to obesity or being overweight? The causes are numerous and complex. Poor diet, lack of physical activity, genetics, certain medical conditions, and even social and economic factors play a role. It's like a jigsaw puzzle where each piece contributes to the overall picture.

Let's not forget the challenges of weight loss, either. The traditional approach – diet and exercise – while effective, can be difficult for many to sustain in the long term. It's like a steep hill that becomes harder and harder to climb, with many obstacles along the way. And while bariatric surgery is a solution for some, it's invasive and comes with its own risks and complications.

This is where the introduction of Tirzepatide therapy comes in: a new approach that is changing the landscape of weight loss treatment. But before we dive into that, let's first understand what Tirzepatide is and how it works to aid in weight loss.

Tirzepatide and Weight Loss

Now, let's explore the promising world of Tirzepatide and its role in weight loss. At its core, Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. In simpler terms, it works by imitating the functions of these two naturally occurring hormones in our bodies that control glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. This complex interplay not only helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels but also brings about a decrease in appetite and an increase in satiety – which, you guessed it, contributes to weight loss!

But it's not just about theory; the science backs it up too. In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, Tirzepatide showed significant promise as a weight loss treatment. The study involved over 1,900 participants, and those who received Tirzepatide lost significantly more weight than those who received a placebo. The higher the dose, the more the weight loss, with many losing up to 20% of their body weight over a period of 40 weeks.

This research breakthrough represents a bright beacon of hope for those who've had limited success with traditional weight loss methods. With the potential of Tirzepatide therapy, the dream of achieving a healthier body weight is increasingly within reach. Now, let's examine the specifics of this therapy, including its benefits, potential side effects, and how it's administered.

Benefits and Effectiveness of Tirzepatide Therapy

What makes Tirzepatide so exciting for the world of weight loss? Let's delve into the benefits this revolutionary therapy has to offer.

First off, Tirzepatide works on two fronts: it not only helps regulate blood sugar levels but also assists in shedding those stubborn pounds by suppressing appetite. This dual-action approach sets it apart from many other weight loss treatments and drugs currently available.

The effectiveness of Tirzepatide has been demonstrated through rigorous scientific studies. In a clinical trial known as SURPASS-1, published in The Lancet, participants with type 2 diabetes experienced an average weight loss of about 7-11% over 26 weeks when treated with Tirzepatide. Notably, the study revealed that the higher the dosage, the greater the weight loss, indicating a dose-dependent relationship – with weight loss of over 15% being achieved in the 40-week period.

In the Phase III SURPASS-2 trial, Tirzepatide was compared head-to-head with Semaglutide, where it out-performed across the board and 57% of participants saw a reduction in body weight of 20% or more.

Benefits of Tirzepatide:

• Reduces food intake by lowering appetite

• Promotes satiety and fullness by slowing food digestion in the stomach

• Decreases body fat percentage through loss of visceral adipose tissue and belly fat

• Weight loss with decreased waist size (57% of clinical trial participants lost over 20%% bodyweight)

• May improve cardiovascular risk profile including lowering cholesterol, inflammation, blood pressure and blood sugar

• Reduction of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)

As promising as Tirzepatide is, it's crucial to remember that it's part of an overall weight management strategy that should include a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Semaglutide vs Tirepatide

The key difference between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide is that Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist while Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and GIP agonist. The addition of the GIP receptor agonism is unique to Tirzepatide and responsible for its enhanced weight loss effects.

To put this in simpler terms. A GLP-1 agonist can reduce blood sugar and reduce appetite, making it easier to lose weight. The addition of a GIP agonist appears to enhance the effects of the GLP-1 agonist while also improving the body’s fat utilization through up-regulation of uncoupling genes.

Clinical trial results:

• Semaglutide – 32% of particiapnts lost more than 20% body weight

• Tirzepatide – 57% of participants lost more than 20% body weight

What’s notable is that Tirzepatide Therapy patients tend to see faster weight loss, fewer side effects, and even greater total weight loss compared to Semaglutide.

Taking Tirzepatide for Weight Loss

Tirzepatide is administered via subcutaneous injection, which means it's injected into the fatty tissue just under the skin. Typically, it's taken once a week at a prescribed dosage. Your healthcare provider will guide you on how to self-administer the injection at home, but rest assured – it's a simple and straightforward process.

It's essential to follow your healthcare provider's dosage instructions closely. The therapy often begins with a lower dosage, which can be gradually increased based on your body's response and any side effects you might experience. Remember, everyone's body reacts differently to medications, so patience and open communication with your healthcare provider are key!

Speaking of side effects, while Tirzepatide has proven beneficial in aiding weight loss and managing blood sugar levels, like any medication, it does come with potential side effects. The most commonly reported ones include nausea, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Most of these are mild and tend to lessen over time as your body gets used to the medication. However, if you notice severe or persistent side effects, it's crucial to seek medical help immediately.

There are also certain precautions and contraindications to be aware of. For example, Tirzepatide isn't recommended for those with a history of pancreatitis or other specific medical conditions. Therefore, it's crucial to discuss your full medical history with your healthcare provider before beginning the therapy.

Tirzepatide Therapy at Harmony Wellness Clinic

Our Tirzepatide therapy is a medically-guided weight loss program personalized to each individual patient, their health status, and their weight loss goals. We start with a Wellness Consultation to assess your health history and discuss the options that are most appropriate for you.

Tirzepatide therapy includes consultation with a Provider, lab work assessment, and resources to help you maximize your weight loss through lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and sleep recomendations.

Prescribed medications are delivered directly to your door with all of the supplies and instructions you need to self-administer your medication safely and effectively.

Harmony Wellness Clinic does NOT communicate with health insurance companies for any of our services. Even though the health and quality of life of our patients is tremendously enhanced, most health insurance providers consider our services elective. However, because we prescribe generic semaglutide from a compounding pharmacy, the cost is dramatically less than its brand name counterparts while remaining equally effective.

Book an appointment today to get started on your weight loss journey with Tirzepatide therapy!

Sources:

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585056/#:~:text=Tirzepatide%20is%20a%20novel%20medication,off%2Dlabel%20for%20obesity%20treatment.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36050763/

https://dompubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dom.14775#

https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-receives-us-fda-fast-track-designation-tirzepatide

https://dompubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dom.14775#

https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa2107519

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8987449/