Tirzepatide is a medication that is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It works as a dual GLP-1 agonist and GIP agonist to maximize similar benefits that are seen with GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide[1]. During clinical trials, participants lost up to 20% of their starting weight[2]. As a result, some healthcare professionals prescribe tirzepatide off-label for weight loss, although the FDA has not yet approved it for this use[2].
What is the average weight loss with Tirzepatide over 12 weeks?
What is the recommended duration of Tirzepatide treatment for weight loss?
How long does it take to see weight loss results with Tirzepatide?
According to a study published on NCBI, the median time to first reach weight loss of ≥ 5% was 16.0 weeks for tirzepatide 5 mg and 12.4 weeks for both tirzepatide 10 mg and 15 mg compared with 24.0 weeks for semaglutide 1 mg[1]. In another study, people treated with tirzepatide lost an average of 15-20% of their starting weight over the course of 72 weeks[3].
Side effects of Tirzepatide
The most common side effects of tirzepatide are temporary and include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. A decreased appetite is also typical. More serious side effects, such as gallbladder problems and pancreatitis, are rare but possible[4][5].
Contraindications of Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is contraindicated in patients with a previous serious hypersensitivity reaction to tirzepatide or any of the excipients in MOUNJARO, personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. It is also contraindicated in patients with known serious hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any of the excipients in MOUNJARO[6][7].
If you are considering tirzepatide for weight loss, it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider.
Here is a table summarizing the information:
| Drug | Effective for weight loss? | How does it work? | Research conducted to see its weight loss effect? | Side effects | Contraindications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide | Yes | Binds to two different receptors in the body, GLP-1 and GIP, which help to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. | Several research studies have shown that Tirzepatide can lead to significant weight loss. | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue, dizziness | People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2; pregnant or breastfeeding women |
Source : Google Bard
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10126190/
[2] https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
[3] https://www.khealth.com/learn/weight-loss/tirzepatide-for-weight-loss/
[4] https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/04/27/1172365791/eli-lilly-releases-more-data-for-new-obesity-drug-moving-toward-fast-track-appro
[5] https://www.healio.com/news/endocrinology/20220604/weekly-tirzepatide-confers-substantial-weight-loss-in-obesity-without-diabetes-surmount1
[6] https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/weight-loss/tirzepatide-and-weight-loss
[7] https://www.thelondonobesityclinic.com/weight-loss-with-tirzepatide/
By Perplexity at https://www.perplexity.ai/search/9ae36b34-87b3-467f-8e32-3e0226052994
