GIP = glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide
GLP-1 = glucagon-like peptide-1
The weight loss with tirzepatide is greater than any other medication, including semaglutide, which is sold under the names Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. These medications long-acting versions of other GLP-1 medications that have been on the market for over a decade such as liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), dulaglutide (Trulicity) or exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon). Until now, semaglutide has been considered the newest and the most powerful weight loss medication, but now tirzepatide appears to produce even greater weight loss by stimulating two satiety hormone receptors instead of just one.
The side effects of tirzepatide are like GLP-1 medications, mainly nausea and gastrointestinal disturbance. Most side effects are brief when the medication is started at the lowest dose and slowly boosted over time. There are 6 doses available.
Other weight loss medications include:
phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira)
phendimetrazine (Bontril)
benzphetamine (Regimex, Didrex)
orlistat (Xenical, alli)
phentermine and topiramate ER (Qsymia)
Plenity
naltrexone HCl and bupropion HCl (CONTRAVE)
liraglutide injection (Saxenda)
semaglutide injection (wegovy)
The best weight loss results are seen when weight loss medications are combined with intensive lifestyle modification and calorie restriction. The major benefit of weight loss is improvement comorbidities of obesity such as diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids and heart disease which can be seen with as little as 5% weight loss.
Remember, tirzepatide or any other weight loss medication is not a magic bullet but simply a tool to lower appetite for sustained calorie reduction. There is no perfect medication for obesity. A medication that may work for a family member or a friend may not be the ideal medication for you. Treating obesity can be complicated so it is best to work with a knowledgeable health care professional who is dedicated to working with you over the long term.
