Tirzepatide is a medication available under two brand names: Mounjaro and Zepbound.
Mounjaro is approved to treat type 2 diabetes in adults.
Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. It’s also approved for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity.
Mechanism of Action:
Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It mimics these gut hormones, which play roles in regulating blood glucose (sugar), digestion, and appetite.
Here’s how it works:
- Blood Glucose Control: Stimulates insulin release from the pancreas and reduces glucose production by the liver.
- Weight Management: Slows down digestion, promotes feelings of fullness, and may reduce appetite and food cravings.
Efficacy:
- Clinical trials have shown significant weight loss and improvements in blood sugar control with tirzepatide.
- In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, participants without diabetes experienced substantial weight loss (16% to 22.5%) over 72 weeks with tirzepatide.
- For type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide has demonstrated greater reductions in HbA1c (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) compared to other treatments.
Safety and Tolerability:
- The most common side effects are gastrointestinal-related, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- These side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity and tend to be more common at the start of treatment or during dosage increases.
- Serious side effects, although rare, include pancreatitis, hypoglycemia, and gallbladder disease.
Important Note:
Tirzepatide should only be used as prescribed by a healthcare professional. It’s crucial to discuss any potential risks and benefits with your doctor before starting treatment.
