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Tirzepatide For Weight Loss

Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 medication, similar to Semaglutide, but the main difference is that it is also a GIP receptor agonist making it a dual-agonist. Clinical trials of Tirzepatide have shown impressive weight loss results and improved health outcomes when used with a reduced-calorie diet and lifestyle changes. The Surmount-1 clinical trial resulted in cardiometabolic health improvements and 15%-21% of bodyweight lost on average for participants (compared to the placebo at only 3% bodyweight lost).1

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a once weekly injection that is a first-in-class medicine that activates the GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) and GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) receptors. These hormones regulate blood sugar levels, suppress appetite, and improve satiety (feelings of fullness).2

How does Tirzepatide Work?

Tirzepatide works like Semaglutide by targeting naturally occurring hormones, but Tirzepatide targets both GIP and GLP-1 pathways. Tirzepatide works well for weight loss in several ways by helping the body regulate blood sugar, reduce cravings, reduce hunger/suppress appetite, and improving satiety by slowing down digestion.  

Who is Tirzepatide for?

Tirzepatide is indicated for adults with obesity, or, adults with excess weight who have weight-related medical problems. Tirzepatide is also approved for adults with type 2 diabetes as Mounjaro.4

It is not known if Tirzepatide is safe for those who have had pancreatitis, those under 18 years of age, or those who are breastfeeding. It is not used for people with Type 1 diabetes and should not be used by those that are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It should not be used by patients if they, or any of their family, have had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if they have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).4

As with most medications, Tirzepatide does have a variety of side effects and there are some patients who should not take Tirzepatide.

What are the Side Effects of Tirzepatide?

The most common side effects of taking Tirzepatide reported in clinical studies were gastrointestinal upset that were mild-to-moderate and most often occurred during a dosage increase. Common side effects include:1

  • Nausea / Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach Pain
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue

Other less common but more serious side effects include severe stomach problems, kidney problems, gallbladder problems, pancreatitis. For a full list of potential side effects please see medication insert.

Clinical Trial Results – Tirzepatide for Weight Loss

In the Surmount 1 clinical trial, Tirzepatide was shown to have impressive results for weight loss and improved cardiometabolic health. The trial was a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study lasting 72 weeks that included 2,539 participants. Participants were required to have a BMI of 30 or greater, or, BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related health problem.

  • Tirzepatide 5-mg doses – Average change in weight was -15%
  • Tirzepatide 10-mg dose – Average change is weight was -19.5%
  • Tirzepatide 15-mg dose – Average change in weight was -20.59% 

Placebo – Average change in weight was -3%

Along with these significant weight loss results there were also improvements in all prespecified cardiometabolic measures for participants taking Tirzepatide.1

Do I Qualify for Tirzepatide?

Only after a visit with one of our providers can we determine whether you qualify for Tirzepatide. However, there are minimal BMI requirements:4

  • An initial BMI of 30 or greater
  • An initial BMI of 27 to 29.9 with at least one additional weight-related health issue such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, or pre-diabetes.

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Why Choose Houston Weight Loss Center?

Health is personal and where you go matters, so it’s important to find a provider you trust. MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS IS ALL WE DO!  We are a team of doctors, nurse practitioners, and medical assistants that care about your journey. You can email, call, or schedule in-person appointments with us whenever needed, with any question.

We offer our patients an affordable program that includes one-on-one coaching and weight loss support and education.

  • Our clinics specialize in medical weight loss, offering comprehensive weight loss education and clinical support (in-person)
  • We have 3 convenient locations – Houston Heights, Katy, and Webster

References

  1. Jastreboff, Ania M., et al. (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 
  2. FDA Office of Media Affairs (2023). FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management. FDA.gov.
  3. FDA Office of Media Affairs (2022). FDA Approves Novel, Dual-Targeted Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes. FDA.gov.

Comparing your options? See how the two leading GLP-1 medications stack up in our guide: Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide for Weight Loss.