Are you trying to lose weight but have found no big changes to your body despite taking the required measures? Don’t worry, we all have been there. You may be missing out on one important supplement: tirzepatide.
Recently, it is emerging as an effective weight management drug. But how does Tirzepatide work for weight loss?
This substance mimics the natural GLP-1 and GIP hormones that prompts insulin secretion, leading to a loss in appetite and a feeling of a much fuller stomach. However, tirzepatide may not be for everyone.
Keep reading till the end to find how does Tirzepatide work for weight loss and its correct dose.
What Is Tirzepatide?
In a report published in November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA approved Zepbound, also known as tirzepatide, for chronic weight management in adults. This medicine can only be used by adults suffering from obesity or who are overweight.
The ideal candidates for tirzepatide must have a body mass of:
30 kg/m2 or more
27 kg/m2 or more with at least one weight-related condition
Tirzepatide was initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes but became an effective solution for weight loss. The name of the brand for tirzepatide that solely works for diabetes is Ozempic. It shouldn't be confused with Zepbound which is just for obesity.
Tirzepatide is used as a weekly injection, which is supposed to be administered for a long time to kick off its outcome.
In some cases, intake may stretch to a lifetime. Your consultant might be the right person to tell you the intake duration. That's because, according to certain studies, some people who stop taking tirzepatide suddenly, easily regain all the weight loss.
How Effective Is Tirzepatide for Weight Loss?
Tirzepatide can be effective for tirzepatide if you make significant life changes along with its consumption. It includes following a healthy, calorie deficit diet and a proper workout routine.
In a study, 300 participants took tirzepatide for around 88 weeks. They experienced a mean weight reduction of 25.3% during this tenure. This decrease was far more than those who took a placebo.
One random trial posted on The New England Journal of Medicine, people who took high doses of tirzepatide saw a 21.4% decrease in their weight within a year.
It’s important to note that all the participants that took part in the above trials went on a calories-deficit diet and were also asked to workout regularly. So, tirzepatide alone won’t make you slim; it can only aid your weight loss efforts.
How Does Tirzepatide Work for Weight Loss?
Now that you understand tirzepatide’s effectiveness for weight loss, let's dig deep to find how it achieves it all.
Tirzepatide for weight loss works by reducing your appetite and prolonging your feeling of fullness. As a result, you consume fewer calories in a day.
Unlike other weight loss medications, tirzepatide is a combination of two categories: a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. Therefore, it is called the dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist.
Tirzepatide for weight loss works by mimicking two hormones, GIP and GLP-1. These are incretin hormones that push the pancreas to release insulin while signaling the liver to reduce the amount of glucose it is making. As a result, the blood glucose levels decrease.
In addition to this, tirzepatide signals your brain about your full stomach. This makes you eat less.
This medication also slows down the movement of food in your stomach, allowing you to stay full for a long time.
Does Tirzepatide Work for Weight Loss Quickly?
You may be wondering how quickly this substance can change your life. Well, everyone's timeline for tirzepatide is different. How quickly you lose weight depends on several factors, such as your diet, age, activity levels, and habits.
That said, some people who practice a strict diet and a workout routine start losing weight within a month or two of taking tirzepatide. Regardless of when you start seeing a difference in your weight, tirzepatide works best when taken for a long time.
In most studies conducted on tirzepatide’s effectiveness for weight loss, participants were administered the drug for 72 weeks or more. That's because weight loss programs like these should always be based on long-term results rather than quick outcomes.
Who Should Use Tirzepatide?
As stated earlier, tirzepatide injection is for anyone who is obese or overweight and is seeking weight management. Tirzepatide, when combined with a good diet and exercise, ensures gradual weight loss.
Who Shouldn't Use Tirzepatide?
Here is a list of people who shouldn't take tirzepatide.
Anyone who is not obese or overweight
People with kidney issues
Anyone who takes nonprescription medicines such as aspirin
People who take medicines for appetite control, asthma, hay fever, colds, cough, or sinus issues
Users who can’t stop their alcohol consumption
Tirzepatide Dosing for Weight Loss
You now know “how does tirzepatide work for weight loss,” but what should be its right dosage to achieve maximum results? Typically, tirzepatide dosage depends on your current weight, diet, lifestyle and weight goals.
As per experts, you should initiate with a low dose. Once it suits you, gradually increase it to reach the maintenance dose of 2.5 mg/week. You can aim for 5mg/week after four weeks of 2.5 mg/week dosage or when you feel your body has gotten used to the drug.
The recommended maintenance dosages are 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg SC per week.
Make sure that your consultant is in the loop when increasing the dose. Always track your treatment response and tolerance when selecting the right tirzepatide dosage for weight loss.
Since Tirzepatide is once-a-week injection, make sure you are consistent with its use and don't miss it out.
Zepbound can be injected with or without food at any part of the day. To be on the safe side, inject it on the same day each week.
If your doctor allows, you can change the day of the Zepbound dose each week as long as the doses have a gap of at least three days.
Tirzepatide Side Effects
Like most other weight management injections, tirzepatide may also cause certain side effects. It is not necessary for all the mentioned side effects to occur, but it is always wise to look out for them.
Most Common Symptom
Stomach pain
Less Common Symptoms
Fast heartbeat
Difficulty in breathing
Vomiting
Heartburn
Stomach fullness
Rash
Skin itching
Recurrent fever
Gaseous stomach pain
There are many symptoms that are not known but can also show up after injecting tirzepatide. These are:
Anxiety
Nausea
Nervousness
Confusion
Chest tightness
Bloating
Unusual tiredness
Coma
There might be some side effects that may not require your medical attention. With time, the symptoms may go away as your body will get used to tirzepatide.
These are:
Bleaching
Constipation
Sour stomach
Diarrhea
Stomach discomfort
In certain circumstances, you may also witness the following signs on the injection site.
Bleeding
Burning
Blistering
Coldness
Swelling
You must know the above list of symptoms isn't exhaustive. Since all bodies vary, yours may react completely differently to tirzepatide than other users did.
This is why you must consult your doctor as soon as you notice a change in your system. They will be your best guide in this situation.
Tips To Enhance Tirzepatide’s Performance
Tirzepatide for weight loss is a game-changing substance. However, for it to work well, you must follow certain habits in your daily routine.
Exercise Daily: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Even if you can't go to the gym, establish a workout regimen at home by stretching, yoga, or simple cardio. You can also opt for a regular jog or walk session, depending on your capabilities.
Follow a Strict Diet: Being on tirzepatide doesn't give you a green signal to eat whatever you want. You should be very mindful about your food. For instance, avoid junk or high-calorie items and add lots of green vegetables and fruits to your diet.
Hydrate Yourself: Drink lots of water daily. Even if it means drinking a few glasses above the standard eight ones, do it. Your body needs water to carry on all its functions properly. Besides, your organs need to stay hydrated so they perform well.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: If you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, you may have to eliminate these things from your life. Alcohol may be the biggest hindrance in your weight loss journey as it might affect the way tirzepatide may work in your body.
Sleep Well: Your weight loss journey with tirzepatide will only run smoothly if you sleep well. This means making sure to doze off early at night as soon as you take your last meal at 6 or 7 pm.
Takeaway
Are you convinced to try tirzepatide for weight loss? If yes, don't delay and consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Remember, the drug will only work if you meet the basic criteria and are determined to change your body for good.
Since the FDA has approved this medicine for weight loss, you will be in safe hands. However, you should always be careful and be on the lookout for the side effects before they worsen. Always follow the recommended tirzepatide dose to ensure it performs as expected.
