Losing weight can be tough, particularly for women as they get older. If you’ve been struggling to lose those extra pounds despite exercising and maintaining a healthy diet, tirzepatide might be a solution.
In this article, we’ll explore what tirzepatide is and how it can assist women in their weight loss journey.
What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide offers a new approach to weight management, setting itself apart from traditional methods. It can assist women in shedding excess pounds and achieving their ideal weight. Although it was initially used for managing diabetes, it has shown potential for aiding weight loss as well.
It’s given as a weekly subcutaneous injection for a duration of up to 16 weeks. After this initial period, treatments may continue periodically as needed. Dosage varies for each person depending on their health, weight, and weight loss objectives. The dosage is gradually adjusted over time, and most people begin to see noticeable weight changes between 4 to 6 weeks after starting the injections.
Combining tirzepatide with a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you achieve optimal results.
In a recent SURMOUNT clinical trial, participants lost up to 15.7% of their body weight (about 34.4 pounds) with a 15 mg dose of tirzepatide, compared to just 3.3% (7 pounds) with a placebo. Those taking 10 mg of tirzepatide experienced an average weight loss of 13.4% (approximately 29.8 pounds). The study involved 938 adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The trial also found that 81.6% of those on the 10 mg dose and 86.4% of those on the 15 mg dose achieved at least a 5% reduction in body weight.
How Does Tirzepatide Cause Weight Loss?
Tirzepatide aids in weight loss through several mechanisms:
- Appetite Suppression: Tirzepatide works as a weight loss medication by acting as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger and can lead to reduced food intake. Additionally, tirzepatide also mimics the GIP hormone (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), which increases glucose levels in the body and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
- Delayed Gastric Emptying: Tirzepatide slows the digestion process by delaying how quickly food moves from the stomach to the intestines. This means food stays in the stomach longer, helping you feel full and satisfied.
- Increased Energy: Tirzepatide may boost your energy levels, encouraging more physical activity throughout the day and helping you burn more calories.
Benefits of Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide injections may provide several advantages, including:
- Effective weight reduction, especially when used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise
- Long-term weight management for steady, consistent weight loss
- Lowering the risk of heart and cardiovascular diseases once a healthy weight is achieved
- Enhancing your overall appearance and well-being
- Only needing one injection per week
Is Tirzepatide FDA-Approved?
Tirzepatide has not yet received FDA approval. Although it shows promise for aiding weight loss, more research is still needed to fully understand its benefits.
Potential Side Effects
The SURMOUNT clinical trials identified the most common side effects as:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
More serious side effects of tirzepatide can include kidney failure, allergic reactions, vision changes, and pancreatitis, among others. It’s essential to discuss these risks with a healthcare professional to determine if tirzepatide is suitable for you.
Tirzepatide Key Takeaways
- Tirzepatide may be a promising option for weight loss.
- For best results, it should be used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- The medication is typically given as a weekly injection for up to 16 weeks, with continued use as needed afterward.
- Ongoing research is uncovering more about the full benefits of tirzepatide.
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