Weight loss
Tirzepatide is a medication classified as a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes, promoting weight loss, and reducing cardiovascular risks in certain population
Compounded Tirzepatide
Weeks 1-4: 2.5 mg once weekly
Weeks 5-8: 5 mg once weekly
Weeks 9-12: 7.5 mg once weekly
Weeks 13-16: 15 mg once weekly
Injection – once a week
Oral – daily
Injectable compounded Tirzepatide:
Oral compounded Tirzepatide drops:
Two out of three Americans are either overweight or obese. Today, approximately 40% of Americans are considered obese, and it is projected that half of Americans will be obese by 2030. World-wide, the WHO has declared obesity as an epidemic since 1997, and the problem has only gotten worse since then. Obesity increases the likelihood of developing other diseases, such as diabetes type II, heart disease, cancer, and many other ailments. Obesity-related deaths in the U.S. number in the hundreds of thousands every year. However, a recent breakthrough in the treatment of weight loss was discovered. The class of drugs called the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 agonists, has been gaining in popularity for its ability to provide significant weight loss with tolerable or minimal side effects.
Tirzepatide is the generic version of the brand-named Mounjaro®. Tirzepatide and other GLP-1 agonists such as Semaglutide and Ozempic®, work by regulating blood sugar levels and suppressing appetite at the brain. GLP-1’s was originally prescribed for diabetic patients, however, patients on these drugs also reported significant weight loss. Thus, study after study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of these drugs for the treatment of obesity. Today, Tirzepatide and other GLP-1 agonists are commonly prescribed off-label after repeated confirmation of its efficacy to shed weight, and safety profile.
Tirzepatide is a once weekly injection taken overs weeks and months for the sustainment of weight loss and treating diabetes. The dosage of the medication is generally increased in the first several months, until a maximum dose is achieved. Your healthcare provide will guide you every step of the way and teach you how to inject yourself with these medications. Subcutaneous injections are administered superficially in a fatty part of the body, such as the belly, buttocks, or back of the arm.
Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg once weekly
Weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg once weekly
Weeks 9-12: 1 mg once weekly
Weeks 13-16: 1.7 mg once weekly
Weeks 17+: 2.4 mg once weekly
The most common side effect of Semaglutide is gastrointestinal related, occurring in approximately 10% of patients or more. Mild nausea appears to be the most common of the GI side-effects. Loss of appetite is also commonly reported, but likely is more of a “feature” of the drug, attributed to the GLP-1’s mechanism of action to suppress appetite. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation may also occur with some patients. Most patients report these side effects to dissipate or become milder with time, as the body adjusts during the first steps of titrating the medication. In rare instances, there have been reported gallbladder disease, pancreatitis and kidney injury. It is important to stay hydrated while on GLP-1’s to prevent these issues from occurring. Patients on GLP-1’s must stop their use of the drug if these, and other adverse reactions occur.
AVYIA recommends a comprehensive exercise and nutrition regime when taking Semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonist medications. While significant weight loss is a desired effect, part of that weight lost is from muscle mass unfortunately. Regular strength and weight training maintains proper muscle preservation or growth, while further enhancing fat loss. A diet rich in protein, and sparse in artificial sugars and processed carbohydrates is also recommended while on GLP-1 agonists. Regular exercise and a proper diet further help with weight loss while maintaining lean muscle mass.
Compared to Tirzepatide, Semaglutide is lower in month-to-month costs. While both drugs have shown to significantly reduce weight, Tirzepatide is likely to yield more weight loss with similar treatment regimes. In comparative studies, Tirzepatide has shown to have milder side effects. However, most patients on Semaglutide tolerate the already mild GI side effects after a short duration of treatment