What Is Tirzepatide and How Does It Work?

Tirzepatide is a new and effective treatment for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It also helps with weight loss. You only need to take this shot once a week. This medicine works as a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, facilitating drug administration. These help your body use insulin better and lower your hunger. 

The FDA has given the green light for its use in many types of patients. In this blog, we will talk about what tirzepatide is. You will see how it works and what it can do for people who need help with diabetes mellitus and weight management.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a new medicine used to help people manage type 2 diabetes and to help with weight loss. You take it with a once-a-week shot under the skin, called a subcutaneous injection. This medicine works by turning on two different parts in the body called the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. These parts help control how much you want to eat and how well your body uses insulin. 

With tirzepatide, people can see lower blood sugar levels, better glycemic control, and reduction of low blood sugar occurrences, as well as weight reduction after receiving doses of mg of tirzepatide. So, it is a useful choice for those who need help with weight loss and who want to keep their blood sugar under control.

Tirzepatide helps with weight loss in two main ways. It lowers hunger and keeps blood sugar under control. This medicine is both a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. It slows how fast food leaves the stomach. It helps people feel full longer. This can make it easier for them to eat less and handle the calories they take in. 

Tirzepatide also boosts insulin sensitivity, which helps with blood sugar and glycemic control. This is very good for people who have type 2 diabetes. Both Mounjaro and Zepbound are approved by the FDA. These options give people new choices for weight management and better metabolic health.

How Does Tirzepatide Work?

Tirzepatide helps the body by using two receptors called GLP-1 and GIP. With this, it slows the way the stomach works, so people stay full for a longer time and do not feel as hungry. It also helps to make the body better at using insulin, which keeps blood sugar levels more steady. 

This is very important for people who have type 2 diabetes or gallbladder disease. Because of these things, tirzepatide helps with weight loss and gives better glycemic control. It can be a good choice for people who fight with obesity or problems from diabetes. In all, it can be a gentle way to help you reach your health goals and manage blood sugar.

Dual activation of GIP and GLP-1 receptors is very important in how tirzepatide works. This process slows down how food moves in your stomach. It helps people feel full for a longer time and makes them eat less, which is particularly crucial for preventing conditions like acute pancreatitis and abdominal pain. 

This helps with weight loss and also makes the body better at responding to insulin. Better insulin sensitivity is key for keeping blood sugar levels steady. Because of this, people get better glycemic control and can manage diabetes with more success. Over time, these effects help with weight management, keep blood sugar in check, and support good metabolic health.

Tirzepatide is a new type of medication that helps the body by turning on certain receptors. Here’s how it works:

• GLP-1 receptor agonist: You can think of it as a key that opens the way to better control of blood sugar and helps lower appetite.

• GIP receptor agonist: This also helps improve insulin sensitivity and speeds up gastric emptying.

With both these actions, tirzepatide helps with weight management and supports weight reduction. It helps lower blood sugar levels, which is good for people with diabetes. This makes it helpful in diabetes treatment and controlling blood sugar.

What Is Tirzepatide Used For?

Tirzepatide is mainly used in the United States to help with type 2 diabetes and to help people lose weight. When it is called Mounjaro, it can help control blood sugar levels and lower A1C by managing the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. When it comes to Zepbound, it is for people who do not have diabetes. It helps with weight loss by making you feel less hungry and helping the body lose fat.

Type 2 Diabetes

Tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro, is a good way to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. It works on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which helps the body use insulin better and achieve additional glycemic control. Studies show that Mounjaro brings A1C levels down a lot. This is important to lower the risk of problems from diabetes, like diabetic retinopathy and kidney disease. With this approach, people can have better health and enjoy a better quality of life.

Weight Loss

Tirzepatide is sold under the name Zepbound. It can help with weight loss for people who do not have diabetes and those with severe obstructive sleep apnea. This medicine works by changing the way you feel hunger and by slowing the movement of food in your body to make you feel full more quickly. Additionally, it helps your body use insulin better. Both of these things, along with increased physical activity, help to lower body weight and lead to weight reduction.

Studies, like the SURMOUNT-1 trial, show that Zepbound works well in helping people lose weight when compared to a placebo. People in these studies saw drops not only in body weight but also in things linked to their general health, including medical problems. Because of this, Zepbound could be a good choice for those who have trouble losing weight with usual methods.

Tirzepatide helps people eat less and lose fat. It does this by working as a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. This action increases the signals in your body that tell you when you are full. It also slows down gastric emptying, which is crucial for balancing blood sugar levels and providing essential amino acids. Because of these effects, you do not feel as hungry. This makes it easier to follow good eating habits.

Tirzepatide not only supports weight reduction, but it can help your body get better at using insulin. With better insulin sensitivity, weight loss becomes easier to start and keep up over time.

If you want to know more about how to manage your weight with tirzepatide, you can go to the Healthon blog. There are helpful resources and support there.

Tirzepatide Injections: What to Expect

The tirzepatide injection is made to be easy to use, starting with a low dose. You only need to take it once a week, so it makes it simple for people to handle their medicine routine. You can give the shot in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It is a good idea to change the injection sites so there is less chance of discomfort. 

Most people do not have problems, but there can be some mild side effects like nausea, feeling tired, or constipation. Knowing about these things helps people get ready for their treatment. It also helps when people want to do better with weight management and keep good glycemic control.

Tirzepatide injections are given once a week. This makes things easier for people who want to manage their diabetes or lose weight. You need to use the right way to take the medicine, and if you miss a dose, you should administer the next dose as soon as possible. You should also rotate injection sites like the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm for the best results.

Some side effects such as nausea and tiredness may happen, including symptoms of low blood sugar. These are usually easy to handle. To learn more, look at the following blog about where to inject tirzepatide. It is important to seek medical advice regarding your medication, your dose, missed dose management, and how you give the injection. This can help you get better results and lower any risks.

Is Tirzepatide Right for You?

Tirzepatide may help some people in different ways. Adults who have type 2 diabetes could use it to control their blood sugar better. People who have a BMI over 30 can also get help from it. If you have a BMI of 27 or more and you have health problems linked to your weight, this can be a good option. 

Some people find it hard to lose weight even when they try very hard with diet and exercise. For those people, tirzepatide may offer a new way to reach their weight loss and weight management goals. It helps to manage blood sugar levels and might work well when other methods don't help enough.

Every person has a different health condition. This is why it is important to talk to a healthcare provider about the doses of your medications and nutritional supplements before you start a new treatment like tirzepatide. Your doctor can give you advice that fits your own medical history and the medicines you use now, including any necessary details from your prescription label. If you need more support or information, Healthon has a 24/7 service. You can ask questions about tirzepatide and how to use it at any time. Get expert help to make the right choices for your weight management or diabetes management plan. You should have the best support during your health journey.

See If You Qualify for Tirzepatide With Healthon

If you want to learn about tirzepatide, it helps to know what it can do for weight loss and diabetes. This blog has explained what tirzepatide is and how it works in the body. Tirzepatide can help with glycemic control and may support weight loss by making you feel less hungry. At Healthon, we are here to help you at any time, day or night. You can get the information and support you need. If you want to know more, you can use our contact page or check out Healthon’s tirzepatide product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Mounjaro and Zepbound?

Mounjaro and Zepbound are both brand names for the same medicine called tirzepatide, which is made by Eli Lilly. But, they are made for different groups of people. Mounjaro is mostly given to people with type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar. On the other hand, Zepbound is made for people who want weight loss and do not have diabetes. Both have the same main ingredient, but they are used for different reasons.

How long does tirzepatide take to work?

Tirzepatide usually starts to work within a few weeks after you begin the treatment. Many people notice better control of their appetite and lower blood sugar levels after about 8 to 12 weeks. It is important to discuss your choice of type of birth control pills with your healthcare provider, including how to store the medication at room temperature, as individual results can be different for each person. It depends on their health and how well they stick to the plan.

Is tirzepatide approved for weight loss?

Yes, tirzepatide is approved for weight loss with the brand name Zepbound. It has been proven to work in clinical trials, like the SURMOUNT-1 trial. In this trial, people who do not have diabetes saw a drop in appetite. They also lost fat and kept their blood sugar steady.

Are there side effects to tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide can cause some side effects, including stomach pain and swelling of the face. These can be mild nausea, feeling tired, and trouble with constipation. Many people using this have no big problems. Still, it's important to watch for any bad reactions you may get, especially during deep sedation. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any side effects, so you get advice made just for you on what to do.

Reference List

1. Eli Lilly and Company. (2022). Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection [Prescribing information]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215866s000lbl.pdf
   
   

2. Eli Lilly and Company. (2024). Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection [Prescribing information]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/217806s003lbl.pdf
   
   

3. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Tirzepatide (Subcutaneous Route). Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tirzepatide-subcutaneous-route/description/drg-20534045

4. Jastreboff, A. M., Aronne, L. J., Ahmad, N. N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., ... & Kushner, R. F. (2022). Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205-216. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10159347/