Tirzepatide for Weight Loss: How it works, Dosage, and Eligibility

Tirzepatide for Weight Loss: How it works, Dosage, and Eligibility

Table of Contents

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I. How Tirzepatide Works

II. Tirzepatide Prescription for Weight Loss: Eligibility Criteria

III. Tirzepatide Dosage for Weight Loss

IV. How Long Does it Take to Lose Weight with Tirzepatide?

V. Conclusion

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Tirzepatide is a new prescription weight loss medication that has shown promising results. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, tirzepatide has been clinically proven to help people with obesity or excess weight lose substantial amounts of weight.

If you are interested in using tirzepatide for weight loss, it is important to understand how it works, who is eligible to take it, the proper dosage, and what kind of weight loss results to expect. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about using tirzepatide as a part of your weight management plan.

How Tirzepatide Works

Tirzepatide stands apart from other weight loss medications due to its unique dual-acting approach. This medication targets two hormones to promote weight loss and control blood sugar:

• Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)
• Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) ¹

GLP-1 and GIP are natural hormones called incretins that are released after eating to help regulate glucose levels. Tirzepatide mimics their effects:

• Insulin: Tirzepatide stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas when blood glucose is elevated. This allows cells to absorb excess sugar from the bloodstream.

• Glucose: Tirzepatide reduces glucose production by the liver between meals. This prevents blood sugar spikes.

• Appetite reduction: Tirzepatide slows stomach emptying which promotes feelings of fullness. This helps with portion control and weight management. ¹

Tirzepatide Prescription for Weight Loss: Eligibility Criteria

Tirzepatide is available under two different brand names: Mounjaro and Zepbound. These medications contain the same active ingredient (tirzepatide) but are FDA-approved for different conditions:

• Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection approved in 2022 to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. ²

• Zepbound is a once-weekly injection approved in 2023 as a treatment for chronic weight management in obese or overweight individuals. ³

Currently, Zepbound is the only option approved for weight loss. To be eligible for Zepbound, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher

• A BMI of 27 or above, accompanied by at least one weight-related complication such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease. ¹

BMI is a measure of body fat calculated using your height and weight. ⁴ Using your BMI, your doctor can place you into the following categories:

• BMI below 18.5: Underweight
• BMI 18.5 to 24.9: Healthy Weight
• BMI 25 to 29.9: Overweight
• BMI above 30: Obese ⁴

These BMI ranges help guide prescription choices, but the ultimate decision depends on the physician's discretion. Your doctor will review your medical history and health status before determining if tirzepatide for weight loss is appropriate.

Tirzepatide Dosage for Weight Loss

The amount of weight loss experienced with tirzepatide therapy is dependent on the dosage prescribed. When starting tirzepatide, doctors initially prescribe a low dose to allow the body to adjust and minimize side effects. This initial dose is too low to produce significant weight loss. However, once the maintenance dose is reached, you can expect to see the pounds come off. ¹

Clinical trials have demonstrated a clear dose-dependent response when it comes to weight loss with tirzepatide. In a 72-week study of overweight and obese adults, the higher the dosage, the greater the weight loss:

• Tirzepatide 5 mg resulted in a weight loss of 35.5 lbs.
• Tirzepatide 10 mg resulted in a weight loss of 48.9 lbs.
• Tirzepatide 15 mg resulted in a weight loss of 52 lbs. ⁵

It's important to understand that the participants in this study paired their tirzepatide therapy with lifestyle changes known to support weight loss. These included:

• Working with a dietician
• Maintaining a 500-calorie daily deficit
• Getting 150 minutes of physical activity per week ⁵

How Long Does it Take to Lose Weight with Tirzepatide?

The amount of time it takes to lose weight on tirzepatide depends on:

• How long it takes to find the effective dose
• Your lifestyle changes

In the first month of taking Tirzepatide, your doctor will start you on a low dosage to allow your body to adjust to the medication. While this dosage may not result in significant weight loss, it is an essential step to minimize the risk of side effects. After the first month, your doctor will gradually increase your dose every four weeks until you find the most effective dosage. ¹

A typical tirzepatide dosing schedule is:

• Month 1: Tirzepatide 2.5 mg injected once weekly

• Month 2: Tirzepatide 5 mg injected once weekly

• After month 2: If needed, your doctor will increase your dose by 2.5 mg at a time, waiting at least four weeks between increases. ¹

The dosage you need depends on your response to the medication. Some people lose weight on a lower dose, while others require a higher dose, which can affect how long it takes to lose weight. The doses that typically lead to weight loss are 5 mg to 15 mg. ¹

In addition to the dosage, your weight loss depends on lifestyle factors like:

• Your diet
• Activity level
• Age
• Other medications you are taking ¹

The combination of finding the right tirzepatide dose and making lifestyle changes to support your weight loss goals will determine how quickly you can lose weight on this medication. 

Conclusion

Tirzepatide shows great potential as a weight loss aid for people with and without type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that when combined with diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, tirzepatide can help people achieve significant weight loss and improve obesity-related health issues.

However, like any prescription medication, eligibility requirements and safety considerations need to be evaluated by a doctor on an individual basis. If you are interested in tirzepatide, having an open conversation with your doctor is the best way to determine if it may be suitable for you.