Posts Tagged ‘weight gain’

Tirzepatide For Weight Loss: What You Need to Know

New FDA-approved Tirzepatide has been shown to produce significant weight loss in obese individuals and treat Type 2 diabetes.

According to the CDC, a staggering 41% of Americans are considered obese. Obesity is an epidemic that doesn’t just increase the chances of serious health conditions like heart disease and even cancer—but it does a number on confidence and self-esteem. In fact, the prevalence of depression in people with obesity is twice as high as in people of a healthy weight. Luckily, there’s a new med on the block, and if you struggle with losing stubborn fat or are one of the many people living with obesity despite trying everything to lose the weight, then you might be in luck.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide (also known as Mounjaro) is an FDA-approved once-weekly injectable medication that treats Type 2 Diabetes and promotes weight loss. When used with diet and exercise, Tirzepatide can lower blood sugar levels and lead to significant weight loss in people with or without diabetes. After showing promising results in clinical trials, with nearly two-thirds of participants reducing their body fat by at least 20 percent, the FDA fast-tracked the drug for the treatment of obesity.

How does Tirzepatide work? 

Tirzepatide is the first of its kind in that it combines two classes of medications: a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. In layman’s terms? Tirzepatide works by mimicking the effects of incretin hormones—or, hormones that are released after eating that regulate the amount of insulin your pancreas secretes and lowers the amount of glucose your liver makes. In short, this helps you to feel fuller longer, slows down digestion, and lowers your blood sugar.

What’s the difference between Tirzepatide and Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is another injectable weight-loss medication that was shown in clinical studies to drive significant weight loss in patients. In trials of overweight individuals, those in the peptide for weight loss saw 15-18% weight loss in just over one year of taking the medication. Doctor and co-author of the first trial shared that no other drug has come close to producing this level of weight loss and fat-burning results: until Tirzepatide hit the scene.

Semaglutide is a potent, long-acting GLP-1 analogue whereas Tirzepatide, as we mentioned, combines two classes of medications: GLP-1 and GIP whereas Semaglutide is just the GLP-1. Further, in some studies, Tirzepatide was found to be superior in treating diabetes patients to Semaglutide. 

Tirzepatide: The Bottom Line

  • Both Tirzepatide and Semaglutide have been shown in clinical trials to drive substantial weight loss in obese and overweight people as well as treat type 2 diabetes. 
  • Tirzepatide uses GIP and GLP-1 whereas Semaglutide is a GLP-1 only. 
  • Tirzepatide was shown in studies to be superior to Semaglutide in treating diabetes and drove more significant weight loss. 
  • Both Tirzepatide and Semaglutide boast substantial A1C reductions, boosted weight loss, shown improvements in cardiometabolic measures, and suppressed appetite. 
  • Tizepatide is available in all states except Alabama and California.

Choose Joi for Weight Loss

Joi’s weight loss programs are science-backed and deliver noticeable results that last. Contact us today for a consultation where our team of providers will work with you to formulate an individualized treatment plan to help you achieve your wellness goals so you can feel and look your best.

Semaglutide 101

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog that was approved in 2020 as a treatment method for improving glycemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide shows great promise for patients who are having difficulty losing weight, and even those without Type 2 Diabetes can use this peptide. 

Studies have demonstrated that Semaglutide reduced appetite, improved control of eating, and reduced food cravings in addition to improved glycemic control. The greatest weight loss benefits were observed when Semaglutide is used in combination with lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and consistent exercise.

How does Semaglutide work?

GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the small intestine that stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon secretion, thereby lowering blood sugar and reducing cravings. It also slows gastric emptying making you full and satisfied for longer. Semaglutide has demonstrated beneficial effects on glycemia, in addition to a host of other benefits.

Reported Benefits:

  • Weight Loss
  • Neuroprotective
  • Improved Fertility
  • Treatment of PCOS
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Cardiovascular Benefits

How should Semaglutide be used?

Semaglutide  is applied as a subcutaneous injection which is most commonly dosed at 0.25mL(0.5mg) to 0.5mL(1mg) once weekly. This dosing may be increased to 1mL(2mg) once weekly after one month of

treatment if needed. This medication is generally well-tolerated and can be dosed continuously without breaking treatment with no diminishing effects.

Side effects/contraindications:

The most commonly reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and

constipation. The risk of serious side effects increases in patients with hypoglycemia, kidney problems, and risk of allergic reactions. Contraindications to use of this medication include gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, history of an eating disorder, MENS syndrome, or family/personal history of medullary thyroid cancer. 

Will I gain the weight back after stopping Semaglutide?

The consensus is, when we revert back to our old ways, “Yes, you will gain the weight back.” Luckily with the use of Semaglutide there are some residual effects including appetite suppression and glucose regulation for up to a couple of weeks or months. While on Semaglutide the goal is to learn healthier habits to incorporate with a healthy diet and exercise routine. Some healthy habits that have worked for patients when they feel hungry include; going for a walk, drinking water, practicing yoga, calling a friend, reading a book, finding a new hobby. The more bored you are, the more you will eat. 

The short answer is yes, if and when you revert back to your old ways. Though a benefit of Semaglutide is its residual effects, this is not something to heavily rely on. It is important to adopt all components of a healthy lifestyle.

Semaglutide for Weight Loss