5 Fast Facts About Tirzepatide

If you’ve been trying to lose weight, you’ve probably been taking note of news reports about weight loss medications that have shown a lot of promise in helping people finally shed unwanted pounds. One of those medicines — tirzepatide — has proven especially effective.

As a leading weight management practice in Chesterfield, Missouri, and McKinney, Texas, STL Medical Weight Loss offers tirzepatide therapy customized for each patient’s individual weight-loss goals. In this post, Joseph Moleski, DO, and Margaurette Walsh, PA-C, help you learn more about this novel medication with five fast facts.

1. Tirzepatide was first FDA approved for treating Type 2 diabetes

Tirzepatide mimics or enhances the effects of two amino acid peptides: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide). This dual action helps regulate blood sugar (glucose) while also controlling your appetite.

Tirzepatide helps lower levels of A1C, a marker of blood sugar levels that’s elevated in people with diabetes and prediabetes. In part, it achieves its effects by stimulating insulin production while increasing the production of a substance called adiponectin that helps your body use insulin more efficiently. 

2. Today, it’s also used for weight loss

Tirzepatide is touted as a safe, effective weight-loss medication in part because it decreases hunger feelings to help you eat less. In fact, some studies show that tirzepatide is associated with a total weight loss of 20% or more in people with obesity.

Still, tirzepatide isn’t recommended for anyone who wants to drop a few pounds. Instead, it’s intended for people who are obese or for those who are overweight and have one weight-related medical condition, like sleep apnea or high blood pressure.

3. Side effects are uncommon

The most common side effects associated with tirzepatide are gastrointestinal symptoms, like nausea or diarrhea. Less commonly, some people have reported acid reflux or vomiting. You may also have a decrease in your appetite. 

Tirzepatide is also relatively safe for people with liver problems, and as a consequence, it’s being explored as a treatment for fatty liver disease. Except in extreme cases, tirzepatide is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

4. You’ll need weekly injections

Currently, tirzepatide is not available as an oral medication. Instead, you’ll need to inject the medication once a week.

Injections are delivered just beneath the skin on your belly, thigh, or upper arm using a pre-filled cartridge or pen injector. Your dosing and the length of your treatment will be tailored to your specific needs and goals.

5. Tirzepatide should be used with a healthy diet and exercise

Although it’s certainly tempting to think all you need to do to lose weight is undergo a series of weekly injections, other healthy lifestyle changes are still important. 

In fact, once you stop using tirzepatide, you can gain back the weight you lost, so using your treatment time to improve your lifestyle habits can help you maintain your results, too. 

Find out if tirzepatide is right for you

Tirzepatide can be important in helping women and men achieve their weight loss goals when used appropriately as part of a medical weight loss plan. To find out if tripeptide is a good solution for you, call or book an appointment online with STL Medical Weight Loss at our locations in Chesterfield, Missouri, or McKinney, Texas, today.