Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Weight Loss

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is an injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that’s administered once weekly. It was originally approved in 2017 — at a lower dose under the brand name Ozempic — to help control blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes. People taking Ozempic for blood sugar control also tend to lose weight as an additional benefit. Now, semaglutide (under the brand name Wegovy) is FDA approved for weight loss. Semaglutide is also approved for chronic weight management in adolescents ages 12 and older. Semaglutide should be used in combination with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and exercise.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a newer medication that was initially FDA approved in May 2022 to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. It’s a once-weekly injection. When used along with a diabetes-friendly diet and regular exercise, it can help lower blood glucose levels. In addition to treating Type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide is also approved for weight loss in adults, under the name Zepbound. 

Tirzepatide is thought to promote weight loss by decreasing your appetite and prolonging feelings of fullness. That’s because these effects can cause you to eat fewer calories.

Tirzepatide is unique because it’s the first combination of two classes of medications: a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. Therefore, tirzepatide is known as a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist.

GLP-1 and GIP are both incretin hormones, which are hormones that are released after eating. Tirzepatide works by mimicking their effects. This includes telling the pancreas to release insulin after eating and signaling the liver to lower the amount of glucose it’s making. These effects help lower blood glucose.

In addition to helping lower blood glucose, tirzepatide helps with weight loss in a couple ways:

• It signals to the brain that you’re full — so you eat less.

• It slows the movement of food through your stomach — so you feel full longer.

How is Semaglutide and Tirzepatide dosed?

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are both a once a week injection typically given in your abdomen, upper arm, or thigh. Every four weeks, your dosage may change to enhance your results.  Once you get started on the medication, our doctors will modify your dose weekly depending on the weight loss and the side effects to help you get the best results.

How much weight loss can I expect when taking Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?

Every person has a unique weight loss journey, but you may lose 4-10 pounds per month and up to 50 pounds over six months. Following a healthy diet and administering Semaglutide or Tirzepatide exactly as directed increases your chance of long-lasting success.

What are the benefits of using Semaglutide or Tirzepatide for weight loss?

When used in combination with healthy lifestyle habits, semaglutide can:

• Stimulate weight loss
• Control blood sugar
• Enhance fat burning
• Improve fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Protect your nervous system
• Reduce appetite
• Reduce your body fat percentage

Many patients can lose a significant amount of body weight. For individuals that are overweight, it can increase their energy levels, reduce their risk of chronic diseases, and improve disease management.