Can You Lose Weight Loss with Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide, commonly known under the brand Mounjaro, is a diabetes treatment that has recently grown in popularity as it has shown significant results for those looking to lose weight. While the Tirzepatide is not yet approved as a weight loss medication, it is anticipated to become available for weight loss very soon as two trials have explored the effective results of Tirzepatide for not only diabetes treatment but sustainable weight loss that contributes to one’s overall health and well-being.
The Benefits of Tirzepatide
In contrast to Semaglutide, the drug found in Wegovy and Ozempic, Tirzepatide promotes weight loss and a healthier lifestyle for those with obesity by helping to curb the appetite while stimulating the body to burn fat more effectively, whereas Semaglutide solely works to reduce appetite. While both are delivered via weekly injections, Tirzepatide’s dual action purpose may be revolutionary in the field of medical weight loss possibilities.
The Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical Company Tirzepatide Study
In a study conducted by Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical company, Tirzepatide proved to help people with diabetes lose up to 16% of their unwanted weight over a trial period of 18 months. Furthermore, the Eli Lilly company had also conducted a study that showed participants without diabetes who are struggling with obesity had the ability to lose 20% or more of their body weight while using Tirzepatide for 18 months.
The Results of the Tirzepatide Weight Loss Trial
The Eli Lilly pharmaceutical company conducted a Tirzepatide for weight loss trial that consisted of 938 adults. One-third of the participants received a 10-mg dose, one-third received a 15-mg dose, and one-third received a placebo.
Forty-percent of the participants on the 10-mg dose of Tirzepatide were found to have lost approximately 13% of their full body weight, which is around 30 pounds. Furthermore, an astonishing 48% of the participants on the 15-mg dose of Tirzepatide lost up to 16% of their body weight, or approximately 34 pounds. The participants given the placebo lost 3% of their body weight, or about seven pounds, with less than 3% of the placebo participants losing more than 15% of their starting weight.
Additionally, the study measured diabetes severity and it was found that A1C levels also declined in participants taking Tirzepatide at both dosage levels.
Tirzepatide Injection Dosage
While the exact dose of Tirzepatide for weight loss has not been set for FDA-approval, the Tirzepatide injections are designed to be gradual. This means that the beginner dosage may be as low as 2.5-mg per dose and overtime heightened to reach 15-mg per dose.
As medications such as Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), Ozempic, and Wegovy (Semaglutide) are not eligible for insurance coverage, Medicare, or Medicaid when used for reasons outside of diabetes, it’s important to look at the cost of these injections. The highest dosage for Tirzepatide injections is 15-mg which retails for approximately $1000 monthly. Whereas, the same dosage of the competitor weight loss medication, Wegovy is around $1,300 per month.
The Side Effects of Tirzepatide
The side effects of Tirzepatide are similar to those of Semaglutide. In the study conducted by Eli Lilly company, 20% of the participants on both the 10-mg and 15-mg dose experienced nausea and diarrhea, 12% experienced vomiting, and 8% endured constipation. For the participants in the placebo group, 6% experienced nausea, 9% experienced diarrhea, 3% suffered vomiting, and 4% endured constipation.
Getting off of Tirzepatide for Weight Loss
Tirzepatide when used for diabetes or weight loss purposes is intended to be taken consistently for the duration of the person’s life. Similar to blood pressure medication or any other form of health management medication, Tirzepatide should not be abruptly stopped once the patient receives their desired results.
Studies for Tirzepatide for weight loss have concluded that those who stop taking Tirzepatide may regain a portion of the weight lost while taking the medication. In the Eli Lilly study, they found that patients tend to begin regaining the weight the lost at around four weeks after stopping medication.
Tirzepatide and Lifestyle Adjustments
As with almost all weight loss medications, lifestyle adjustments are required to enhance the effectiveness of the drug. However, the lifestyle modifications recommended for patients on Tirzepatide are slightly different than those associated with traditional weight loss medications.
Hydration is a key component for those taking Tirzepatide for weight loss. As the body loses weight, it’s important to keep the body hydrated and eat a balanced, nutritious diet to support the efficiency of the medication.
Begin Your Weight Loss Journey Today
If you’re ready to start your weight loss journey or if you are interested in learning more about weight loss injections that can enhance your health and well-being while facilitating weight loss, Tula Wellness is here to accommodate you with leading weight loss services, personally tailored to suit your needs and goals. Contact our team of renowned medical professionals today to learn more about our weight loss solutions.
