What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 agonist which is responsible for regulating blood sugar. Tirzepatide was recently introduced to the world of weight management. It’s not a quick fix but could be a game-changer for many patients with obesity or overweight issues, especially those who have found it challenging to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
How Does Tirzepatide Work?
– Tirzepatide mimics the effects of natural hormones called incretins, which help regulate your appetite and food intake.
– It enhances the body’s natural ability to control blood sugar levels, making it originally beneficial for type 2 diabetes patients.
– The weight loss occurs as a result of better appetite control and improved metabolic functions.
Is Tirzepatide Right for Me?
– Tirzepatide is generally prescribed to adults who are obese or overweight.
– It has specific benefits for individuals at risk or already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
-When people gain weight and engage in unhealthy diets, they can develop insulin sensitivity which means insulin doesn’t function as well and this can cause high glucose levels which can lead to long term complications such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
– As with any medication, your healthcare provider at Your Family Walk-In Clinic will evaluate your health history, current condition, and other medications to determine if tirzepatide is a safe and appropriate option for you.
What Can I Expect?
– Talk to your doctor about the potential of tirzepatide as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes diet, exercise, and behavioral changes.
– Your doctor will guide you on the correct dosage and how to self-administer the injections.
– It’s important to have realistic expectations and to understand that weight loss takes time.
Tirzepatide Titration?
Start with 2.5mg subcutaneous injections weekly for 4 weeks. After that, increase to 5mg subcutaneously weekly and continue increasing at 4 week increments until reached max dose at 15mg. If you have taken semaglutide before and have not had much success you can try tirzepatide at the higher dose. Many patients have done the transition from semaglutide to tirzepatide and have been successful in losing weight.
Potential Side Effects
Like any medication, tirzepatide may come with side effects. These can include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and vomiting. Your healthcare provider at Your Family Walk In Clinic will help you understand how to manage these should they occur.
What is the evidence?
New England Journal of Medicine published a recent study that revealed those on the tirzepatide vs those that are not (the placebo) lost 85% or more in weight reduction versus the placebo at 35%. Those on the 10mg and 15mg dose had a reduction in body weight of 20% or more as compared with 3% in the placebo group.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
Takeaway
Weight loss is a journey that should be both healthy and sustainable. With options like tirzepatide, along with the support from our medical team, Your Family Walk-In Clinic is here to walk this path with you.
Consultation
Are you ready to explore if tirzepatide is the right step in your weight loss journey? Contact Your Family Walk-In Clinic today to schedule a consultation with one of our compassionate healthcare providers.
Disclaimer
This blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional at Your Family Walk In Clinic before starting any new treatment.
