Tirzepatide for Weight Loss

Semaglutide (brand name Ozempic) and Tirzepatide belong to the class of glucagon-like peptides 1 (GLP-1).

GLP-1 is an important 'incretin' hormone. Incretin hormones are a group of hormones that are released in the gastrointestinal tract after eating and stimulate insulin production. These hormones help regulate the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream and prevent the rise in blood sugar after a meal.

GLP-1 not only increases insulin secretion, but increases β cell proliferation and survival, suppresses glucagon secretion, delays gastric emptying, and suppresses appetite. All these actions contribute to its antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects.

Ultimately this process led to the creation and commercialization of Semaglutide (Ozempic).

And that's how, in June 2021, it became the first FDA-approved weight-control drug since 2014.

Shortly after, in May 2022, the FDA approved the marketing of a new generation GLP-1 agonist peptide: Tirzepatide (trade name Mounjaro).

Semaglutide, is marketed under the names Ozempic and Rybelsus for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss. Mounjaro is a dual incretin or a “twincreatin” that stimulates two satiety hormone receptors: GIP and GLP-1.

GIP = glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide

GLP-1 = glucagon-like peptide-1

A true comparison between semaglutide and tirzepatide has not been done because in recently released research, a lower 1 mg dose of semaglutide was compared to the highest dose of tirzepatide. Many say this was an unfair comparison and if the full 2.4 mg dose of semaglutide was used the difference may have been smaller or nonexistent. Weight loss numbers in Mounjaro studies are higher than other weight loss medications and are similar to the results seen with bariatric surgery.

In other words, unlike semaglutide which only acts on GLP-1, tirzepatide acts not only on GLP-1 but also on GIP.

GIP stimulation grants the following benefits:

Protection against Hypoglycemia: It improves the elimination of triglycerides and the sensitivity of adipose tissue to insulin, which can prevent the deposition of ectopic fat.

It does not have as many tolerability problems (nausea, diarrhea...) as semaglutide, which usually causes these side effects quite pronouncedly. Nausea due to decreased gastric emptying, person eats too much, food sits in stomach longer causing the adverse symptoms.

Clinical trials between Tirzepatide and Semaglutide show that Tirzepatide is a far superior option in several respects:

• More patients reach their 5%, 10% and 15% weight loss goals
• Greater absolute and relative reduction in total body weight
• Increased reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
• Less tolerability side effects

The best weight loss results are seen when weight loss medications are combined with intensive lifestyle modification and calorie restriction. The major benefit of weight loss is improvement comorbidities of obesity such as diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids and heart disease which can be seen with as little as 5% weight loss.

Remember, tirzepatide or any other weight loss medication is not a magic bullet but simply a tool to lower appetite for sustained calorie reduction. There is no perfect medication for obesity. A medication that may work for a family member or a friend may not be the ideal medication for you. Treating obesity can be complicated so it is best to work with a knowledgeable health care professional who is dedicated to working with you over the long term.

It helps your pancreas produce more insulin. Insulin helps control the body’s blood sugar. With blood sugar levels in a stable range, the body has to rely on storages of fuel (fat) for energy.

It slows down the emptying of your stomach after finishing a meal. You will feel fuller for longer, and it will take less food to give you the feeling of being full, thus reducing your caloric intake.

It reduces the glucagon hormone. Glucagon naturally increases the body’s blood sugar. Reducing this will encourage the body to use alternative forms of fuel, like fat, for energy.

It reduces the brain’s craving for food. The less you crave snacks and treats, the fewer empty calories you’ll be consuming.

• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Low Blood Sugar
• Gallbladder Disease
• Pancreatitis
• Decreased Kidney Function
• Medullary Thyroid Cancer
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2
• A Family History of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
• Kidney Disease
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Taffe Wellness Center utilizes tirzepatide compounded with vitamin B12 which has plenty of benefits for those needing support with their weight loss efforts.

Vitamin B12 is a key nutrient that helps our body in many ways. B12 helps our bodies produce energy and is critical to our metabolism. Vitamin B12 aids in the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout our body. When our blood is oxygen-rich, we feel more energetic and awake. Thanks to its ability to combat fatigue and boost energy levels, Vitamin B12 is commonly used in sports and fitness as an energy and endurance enhancer.

Vitamin B12 also enhances mood and memory. B12 plays a role in producing chemicals in our brain that regulate mood and emotions. Another advantage of B12 is its potential to enhance mental clarity and focus. Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in maintaining proper brain function and cognitive abilities. Overall, B12 injections offer plenty of benefits for enhancing our health and wellness.

One of the greatest advantages of compounding Tirzepatide with vitamin B12 is boosted energy levels. When you start taking Tirzepatide, it is common to feel sluggish and fatigued. Low energy is a common side effect when you begin treatment. Your body needs time to adjust to the weight loss injections. Therefore, compounding with B12 is a great way to manage these side effects.

Another added benefit of compounded tirzepatide and B12 is that it supports insulin production and reduces glucose production. Therefore, blood sugar levels are lower.

• Benefits of compounded Tirzepatide include:
• Enhances weight loss
• Reduces appetite and cravings
• Increases feelings of fullness
• Increases metabolism
• Increases energy levels and decreases fatigue
• Non-stimulating and non-habit-forming
• Improves blood sugar control
• Lowers blood pressure
• Helps regulate insulin
• Suppresses cravings
• Enhances mood
• Improves cardiovascular health
• Prepared in compliance with strict guidelines and regulations

Tirzepatide weight loss medication is considered safe when it is compounded. Compounding means that the medication gets specially prepared by a pharmacist to meet an individual’s specific needs. With proper compounding, the medication’s safety is ensured. The compounded Tirzepatide weight loss medication undergoes rigorous quality control measures. This helps guarantee its safety and effectiveness. This process includes checking the purity, potency, and stability of the medication.

These measures ensure that the compounded Tirzepatide weight loss medication is free from harmful substances and provides the desired weight loss effects. It’s important to note that Tirzepatide is still in the testing phase, and its long-term effects and safety are not yet fully known. It’s always wise to consult with a medical professional before starting any new treatment or medication.