Tirzepatide is the first dual targeted treatment for weight loss and diabetes. It is a dual GIP / GLP-1 agonist. GLP-1 and GIP are peptide hormones that are secreted with the benefit of utilizing cells from intestines called enteroendocrine cells in reaction to the consumption of nutrients, and they have an important function in postprandial metabolism. Due to this unique dual activity property, it is also referred to as “twincretin.” Tirzepatide works as an appetite suppressant and by controlling insulin levels to avoid large spikes in blood sugar.
Tirzepatide injection is in a class of medications called incretin mimetics. It works by helping the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. For example, when you eat carbohydrates, the pancreas will release the correct amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high which helps avoid large spikes. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. Tirzepatide slows gastric emptying which allows food to stay in the stomach longer, allowing you to stay full for longer periods of time. Tirzepatide also works to reduce appetite and control over-eating.
Until now, semaglutide has been considered the newest and the most powerful weight loss medication, but tirzepatide appears to produce even greater weight loss by stimulating two satiety hormone receptors instead of just one. Some patients do better on one versus another. It can be patient specific, therefore we use both at Padgett Medical Center.
In general, patients seem to have side effects less frequently because we start at a low dose and titrate up. However, some mild side effects can occur within the first few weeks such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or heartburn. We can prescribe an anti-nausea medication if you experience side effects. After a few weeks on the medication, most side effects resolve.
Yes, we can split the dosage into twice a week injections which normally eliminates side effects and gives longer appetite control.
Yes, Tirzepatide is being used in patients who are not diabetic for weight loss.
On average patients lose 22.5% of their starting bodyweight within 3 months.
Patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes can be on it for life. Therefore, being on Tirzepatide for an extended period of time for weight loss is considered generally safe.
At Padgett Medical Center, we provide you with a meal plan guideline. In general, you want to eat a balanced diet consisting of protein, fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
We do not recommend doing a Keto diet while on Tirzepatide. Some patients can experience symptoms of hypoglycemia if they are completely eliminating all carbohydrates.
We suggest in the stomach, thighs, buttock, or upper arm. It is a tiny insulin needle injection that is done subcutaneously.
Breakfast: 2 eggs scrambled, 1 cup of spinach, 4oz of turkey bacon, and 1 slice of sprouted grain bread.
Lunch: 4oz of grilled chicken, 1 cup of zucchini, and 1 whole wheat pita.
Dinner: 4oz of lean beef or chicken, side salad with balsamic dressing, and 4oz of oven roasted potatoes.
Snacks: 1 apple or 4oz of turkey with cheese, or 1 plum, or 1 pear, or 1oz of hummus with carrots.