Tirzepatide is a new class of medications that, when subcutaneously injected once weekly, triggers the body’s receptors for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. These are both natural incretin hormones the body uses for weight loss. As a result, Tirzepatide is making waves as a proficient treatment for obesity. While you might have heard of the name Semaglutide (also a GLP-1 activator) and how it had established its presence in the market as a highly effective weight loss option, Tirzepatide is quickly gaining the population's attention as a very promising newcomer.
Findings of Tirzepatide were presented at ObesityWeek, including studies that show how Tirzepatide is linked with consistent weight loss, regardless of individual factors such as BMI, age, and various comorbidities. Session Chair Patrick M. O'Neil, Ph.D. commented on the results from the Surmount trial show, stating that “[T]he absolute levels of weight loss are higher than we've seen thus far with [anti-obesity] medications and that Tirzepatide is a notch up from Semaglutide.” This is exciting news for those searching for medical weight loss options.
Continue reading to learn how you can incorporate Tirzepatide into your daily lifestyle.
The Discoveries of Tirzepatide For Metabolic Health
In May of 2022, Tirzepatide, brand name Mounjaro, was approved by the FDA for blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
In June of 2022, at the American Diabetes Association annual meeting, researchers reported "unprecedented" weight loss with Tirzepatide in patients without type 2 diabetes in the phase 3 SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial. The trial compared the efficacy and safety of Tirzepatide 5, 10, and 15 mg to a placebo as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The study included 2539 adults without type 2 diabetes who had obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) or were overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) with at least one obesity-related complication (hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease). Patients on 5 mg of Tirzepatide saw average weight reductions of 16%. For patients on the 10 mg dose, that figure climbed to 21.4%—or about 49 pounds—and on the 15 mg dose, patients hit an average weight loss of 22.5%, which equates to about 52 pounds. Overall, Tirzepatide, at all doses, resulted in significantly greater improvements in patient-reported outcomes compared with placebo.
In October of 2022, the FDA granted manufacturer Eli Lilly the fast-track status of Tirzepatide to be used as a weight loss drug. Now, Eli Lilly is paving the way for Tirzepatide to expand its treatment options for patients with obesity. Jeff Emmick, vice president of product development at Lilly Diabetes, said, “[T]irzepatide is the first investigational medicine to deliver more than 20% weight loss on average in a phase 3 study, reinforcing our confidence in its potential to help people living with obesity. Obesity is a chronic disease that requires effective treatment options.”
The Benefits of Tirzepatide For Weight Loss
Based on clinical trials, patients using Tirzepatide may experience:
- Substantial A1C reductions
- Increased weight loss
- Improvements in cardiometabolic measures
- Improved triglycerides levels
- Reduced appetite
- Decreased blood pressure
- Improved insulin sensitivity
Tirzepatide For Weight Loss: Final Thoughts
Tirzepatide had an overall safety and tolerability profile similar to other therapies approved for treating obesity. Activating the GIP(glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors has a huge impact on decreasing food intake and increasing energy expenditure. This, in combination with a GLP-1 receptor activator, has an even more significant effect on glucose optimization and body weight reduction.
Obesity should be treated like any other chronic disease—with effective and safe approaches that target underlying disease mechanisms. Various studies show that Tirzepatide accomplishes this. These results are an important step forward in expanding effective therapeutic options for people with obesity. On average, 9 out of 10 individuals with obesity lost weight while taking Tirzepatide.
How TransformYou Can Help
Transformyou offers consultations for anyone looking into their medical weight loss options. In these consultations, we work together to develop a comprehensive medical weight loss plan that is safe and effectively tailored just for you. All patients receive direct support under the care of one of our dedicated physicians to ensure patient safety and confidentiality.
Schedule your consultation today and see how TransformYou can help you with your weight loss journey.