how does Tirzepatide work for weight loss?

 Tirzepatide is a medication that is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It works as a dual GLP-1 agonist and GIP agonist to maximize similar benefits that are seen with GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide

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. It is taken as a weekly injection to help balance blood sugar in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. During clinical trials, participants lost up to 20% of their starting weight

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. As a result, some healthcare professionals prescribe tirzepatide off-label for weight loss, although the FDA has not yet approved it for this use

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How does Tirzepatide work?

Tirzepatide works as both a GLP-1 and a GIP receptor agonist, rather than being one or the other. This gives it a unique edge over other similar treatments

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. Tirzepatide affects GIP and GLP-1 hormones, which slows digestion and helps you feel full while lowering blood sugar

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Research on Tirzepatide for weight loss

Several studies have been conducted on the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide for weight loss. A systematic review and meta-analysis of all currently available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of tirzepatide in individuals with T2DM and obesity showed a significant reduction in body weight in the tirzepatide group versus the placebo group by -9.81 kg

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. Another study showed that tirzepatide achieved up to 15.7% weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight and type 2 diabetes

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Side effects of Tirzepatide

The most common side effects of tirzepatide are temporary and include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. A decreased appetite is also typical. More serious side effects, such as gallbladder problems and pancreatitis, are rare but possible

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. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional

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Contraindications of Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is contraindicated in patients with a previous serious hypersensitivity reaction to tirzepatide or any of the excipients in MOUNJARO, personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. It is also contraindicated in patients with known serious hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any of the excipients in MOUNJARO

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.It is important to note that appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of tirzepatide injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established. Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of tirzepatide injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of this medicine than younger adults

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.If you are considering tirzepatide for weight loss, it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider.

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nih

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khealth

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my-bmi

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nih

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lilly

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goodrx

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mayoclinic

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webmd

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fda

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medscape

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mayoclinic