This Diabetes Pill May Become the Bestselling Drug of All Time—Find Out What’s Behind It

If you’ve been struggling with your weight for a while, you’ve likely heard of various diets and medications that promise to be the key to long-term weight loss. One such medication is Mounjaro, also known as Tirzepatide.

So, how does Tirzepatide work and is it the key to sustainable weight loss? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a medication that was approved by the FDA in 2022 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Not only has it shown promising results for weight loss in people with diabetes, but it has also demonstrated potential for weight reduction in individuals without the disease. In fact, the medication is set to be fast-tracked for approval by the FDA for the treatment of obesity.

Tirzepatide is administered as a weekly injection to reduce hunger and help maintain steady blood sugar levels after food intake. Since people using Tirzepatide feel full faster, they consume fewer calories. This, in turn, leads to weight loss.

Studies on Tirzepatide and Weight Loss

In a recent 72-week clinical trial called SURMOUNT-1, people who were given Tirzepatide demonstrated superior weight loss compared to those given a placebo. The study had a total of 2,539 participants and was the first global trial assessing the safety and efficacy of the drug in obese or overweight people. Participants didn’t have diabetes but had at least one comorbidity.

This is how much weight study participants who were given Tirzepatide lost:

• 5mg of Tirzepatide = lost 16.0% of body weight (about 35lbs/16kg)
• 10mg of Tirzepatide = lost 21.4% of body weight (about 49lbs/22kg)
• 15mg of Tirzepatide= lost 22.5% (about 52lbs/24kg)

Furthermore, more than 90% of people who were given the drug lost at least 5% of their body weight compared to only 28% of those who were given a placebo.

How Is Tirzepatide Administered?

Tirzepatide is administered as a subcutaneous injection using a syringe that is pre-filled. It’s usually taken once per week with food or without at any time during the day. The medication should be injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and you should administer it at a new site each time. Typically, patients start with low doses of the drug, which are gradually increased every four weeks.

It’s essential to remember that the drug can have promising effects but won’t cure diabetes. Instead, it may control it. Keep in mind that it can take up to one month (four weeks) or longer to see noticeable results. You are advised to continue taking Tirzepatide, and only stop taking it after consulting your doctor.

Is Tirzepatide Safe?

Like any medication, Tirzepatide comes with potential side effects. The most common ones are vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, upset stomach, and nausea. In rare cases, it can lead to pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas.

Additionally, Tirzepatide may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can be characterized by dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability, sweating, slurred speech, confusion, shakiness, and weakness.

If you experience any of these symptoms severely or persistently while on the medication, it is important to inform your doctor.

Special Precautions

Please note that Tirzepatide can cause thyroid C-cell tumors. Here are a few other precautions to be aware of:

• The medication is not recommended for use in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer).
• If you experience swelling or a lump in your neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath, you should immediately contact your doctor.
• Let your doctor and pharmacist know whether you have allergies to any medication, including Tirzepatide, or any of its ingredients.
• Talk to your doctor if you’ve ever suffered from kidney or pancreas disease, diabetic retinopathy, or any issues with your stomach (e.g., digestion problems).
• If you’re currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant, talk to your doctor.

Bottom Line

Tirzepatide is a weekly injection that works by regulating insulin levels, blood sugar production, and hunger hormones. While the drug’s results for sustainable weight loss in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes are promising, it should always be used in addition to healthy lifestyle changes. Only by changing your diet and adopting a regular exercise regimen can you achieve your long-term health goals.

As with any medication, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before considering Tirzepatide for weight loss.