Tirzepatide for Weight Loss

How does Tirzepatide Work?

Tirzepatide works similarly to other GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide and Liraglutide. It increases the production of insulin while decreasing the production of glucagon to help regular blood sugar.

Insulin is responsible for removing glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream and transporting it to the cells for energy. Glucagon is responsible for increasing blood sugar so that levels don’t dip too low.

When people gain weight and engage in unhealthy diets, they can develop insulin sensitivity, which means insulin doesn’t function as well. This can cause chronic high blood sugar, which can lead to long-term conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and others.

As a GLP-1 agonist, Tirzepatide increases insulin production to lower blood sugar. It’s also been shown to slow digestion, leading to a feeling of fullness that can help curb appetite.

Tirzepatide is also a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonist. GIP is another hormone that impacts insulin production.

Due to the combined GIP and GLP-1 effects, some patients report more success with Tirzepatide than with similar medications.

Tirzepatide Titration

Like other GLP-1s, Tirzepatide has to be titrated, or started at a lower dose and increased over time. This helps the body get used to the medication and minimize side effects. Tirzepatide is injected once weekly.

Here’s an example of a titration schedule for Tirzepatide. You should always follow your provider’s instructions, which may vary from this example.

1. Start with a 2.5mg subcutaneous injection weekly for 4 weeks.
2. After that, increase to a 5mg subcutaneous injection weekly.
3. Patients may continue to increase to 7.5mg  weekly for at least 4 weeks, and then may increase to 10mg weekly for at least 4 weeks.

Which GLP-1 Agonist is Right for You?

Tirzepatide is just one of the many GLP-1 agonists available to assist with blood sugar management and weight loss.

Other GLP-1 agonists include Semaglutide and Liraglutide, and more are likely in development as the medical industry studies and expands on these important medications.

With all the options, it can be confusing to understand which one is right for you.

Defy Medical offers extended weight management consultations where you’ll be able to discuss your options with an experienced provider. They’ll be able to guide you toward the right medication for you based on your needs, lab results, response to treatment, and more.