What is Tirzepatide and How Does It Help With Weight Loss?

Trying To Be Healthy

Our bodies can be so complicated. We’re bombarded with varying data about what’s good for us and what isn’t. We’ve been told to eat primarily low fat foods, but the recommendations changed because good high fat foods like avocados and nuts keep you full longer and provide health benefits. We’ve been told to eat low sugar diets in which some artificial sweeteners are safe, only to be told that artificial sweeteners have risks of their own. Anyone who struggles with being overweight or struggles to maintain their weight knows the frustration of trying to incorporate ever-changing dietary recommendations into their weight management routine.

Losing It

Excess weight can make you lose things like self-confidence and hope. Trying to lose weight by following the latest fad diet or the supplements sold by your cousin’s neighbor’s best friend can be disheartening at best and risky at worst. Fortunately, medical science is always finding new ways to help us lose weight and create better health for ourselves.

Medical Weight Loss Options

In the last two years medications that help with weight loss have become popular. These medications are FDA approved to treat type 2 diabetes, but have been found to be effective in aiding weight loss, too. Tirzepatide, known by the brand name Mounjaro, is one of them. Tirzepatide is both a GLP-1 agonist and a GIP agonist. Put simply, a GLP-1 agonist works with glucagon-like peptide 1, a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. After one eats, GLP-1 sends a message that insulin is needed to balance rising blood sugar. GLP-1 agonist medications do something similar, but they also help slow digestion, making the user feel full sooner. They also repress hunger.

GIP agonists mimic the gut hormone glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. The combination of GLP-1 and GIP components of tirzepatide are more effective in creating weight loss than semaglutide in people with type 2 diabetes.

About Tirzepatide  

Tirzepatide is currently only available as an injectable medication. It has proven to be effective in both reducing weight and sustaining weight loss. When taking tirzepatide, you should know that:

  • It’s taken only once a week
  • You’ll probably start on a lower dose and increase it slowly
  • It can be taken with or without food
  • You should rotate injections sites, which will be the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen

Like all medications, tirzepatide can have side effects. Some of these may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • GERD
  • Fatigue
  • Low blood sugar

Symptoms of low blood sugar can be:

  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Hunger
  • Confusion
  • Sweating

It’s important to monitor your blood sugar while taking tirzepatide and make sure that you know how to manage episodes of low blood sugar.

How The Online NP Can Help

Stephanie Kowatch, MSN, APRN, FNP-C at The Online NP has been providing health and wellness care remotely since January 2021. She’s licensed in over 40 states and provides medical care, including medically supervised weight loss and weight management care, to those who have limited time or geographical access to medical providers. She provides individualized care and partners with you to create workable, sustainable wellness solutions so you can live your best life. Stephanie can be reached at 775 285 6411 to set up an appointment. 

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