What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist prescribed as an adjunct to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults. Tirzepatide mimics both GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist hormones, which trigger insulin creation, sensation of fullness, and appetite reduction.
What sets tirzepatide apart is its unique mechanism of action: it activates both glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, two receptors that play key roles in regulating blood sugar levels.
It enhances the body's insulin production while simultaneously decreasing glucagon release, but only in the presence of glucose. This dual-action mechanism not only helps stabilize blood sugar levels but also prevents the dangerous peaks and valleys that can occur in diabetic patients.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide functions as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, a class of drugs that mimics the natural hormone incretin to stimulate insulin release.
By regulating blood sugar and digestion, reducing hunger, slowing gastric emptying, and enhancing satiety after meals, semaglutide can significantly decrease overall caloric intake, which is essential for weight management.
Treatment benefits
Treatment benefits will vary by individual, but may include reduced appetite, feeling a sense of fullness for longer durations after eating (delayed gastric emptying), and increased fat-burning mechanisms which may result in weight loss. Additional treatment benefits associated with these weight loss injections may include improved A1C and blood sugar levels by increasing insulin (a hormone that lowers blood sugar levels) and inhibiting glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar); improved blood pressure; and reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.
Clinical trials have proven that semaglutide is effective in weight management when combined with a proper diet and exercise plan. It works by regulating blood sugar and digestion, curbing appetite, slowing the rate at which the stomach empties, and increasing feelings of fullness after meals. These effects collectively reduce total caloric intake, which is crucial for weight management.
Beyond its glucose-regulating capabilities, Tirzepatide has shown significant potential in aiding weight loss. Clinical trials have documented notable weight reduction in participants using this medication, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Excess weight can worsen insulin resistance, complicating diabetes management and increasing the risk of additional health complications.
Recommendations
While using these injections it is highly recommended that you: Eat a fibrous diet. Focus on fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber. Avoid foods high in fat as they take longer to digest.
Eat small high protein meals as digestion is slowed down while on this medication. Limit alcohol intake as this medication can lower blood pressure. Drink at least 64oz of water a day to avoid constipation. Do NOT skip breakfast, be sure to eat in the morning.
For lasting weight loss results, it is recommended to adopt a holistic approach that includes both medication and lifestyle changes.
Contraindications & Side effects:
Do Not Take This Medication If:
• You have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (Thyroid Cancer) • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 • You are pregnant/lactating or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine • You are diabetic and/or taking any medications related to lowering your blood sugar levels without speaking with your endocrinologist. • Specifically, if you are prescribed Insulin because the combination may increase your risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and dosage adjustments by your provider may be necessary. • You have a history of Pancreatitis • You are allergic to Tirzepatide or have had a reaction to Semaglutide or any other GLP-1 agonist such as: Adlyxin®, Byetta®, Bydureon®, Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, Trulicity®, Victoza®, Wegovy®; • If you have other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Possible Side Effects:
Gastrointestinal Upset: The most common side effects of treatment include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, belching, feeling bloated, and abdominal pain. Slow titration of dosing adjustments may help prevent these side effects, or dosing adjustments may be required if side effects persist. Oral or injectable medication to alleviate symptoms may also be considered.
Fatigue, Dizziness, and Headache: Some patients experience fatigue, dizziness, and/or headache, which may be a result of low blood sugar.
Low Blood Sugar: There is an increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially in patients with type 2 diabetes taking medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas. Symptoms may include: dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, mood changes, irritability, weakness, shakiness, slurred speech, confusion, or hunger.
Contraindications & Side effects (cont):
Increased Heart Rate: You may experience an increased heart rate while at rest.
Allergic Reaction or Hypersensitivity: Although rare, allergic reactions or serious hypersensitivity may occur.
Signs of allergic reaction may include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Bleeding/Bruising/Redness: It is possible to experience minor pinpoint bleeding during and after injection.
Bruising in soft tissues may occur, as well as minor redness or swelling.
Pancreatitis: Although rare, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) may occur. Occurs in less than 1% of subjects.
Gallbladder Inflammation and/or Gallstones: You may experience gallbladder issues, including gallstones.
Signs/symptoms of gallbladder inflammation and/or gallstones include pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin and/or eyes, clay-colored stools, and fever. Occurs in less than 1% of subjects.
Gastrointestinal Blockage or Disease: Although rare, there is a risk of stomach blockage (known as an ileus) resulting from decreased intestinal movement of food and fluids. Symptoms include persistent, unrelieved constipation, stomach cramping and swelling, loss of appetite, inability to pass gas, and vomiting. An ileus can be serious and life threatening if left untreated; treatment may include hospitalization and/or surgery incurred at your expense.
Dehydration and Acute Kidney Injury and/or Renal Impairment: Although rare, there is a potential risk for dehydration leading to acute kidney injury and/or worsening renal impairment due to adverse gastrointestinal reactions (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). It is important to drink adequate fluids to help reduce your risk of dehydration, which may cause kidney impairment.
Thyroid C-cell Tumors: There is a potential risk for thyroid C-cell tumors. Signs/symptoms of thyroid tumors include persistent hoarseness, shortness of breath, mass in neck, and/or difficulty swallowing.
This list is not exhaustive of all possible risks associated with Tirzepatide/Semaglutide weight management treatment, as there are both known- and unknown- side effects and risks associated with any medication or treatment.
Packages & Pricing
Semaglutide
Buy a bottle: $3,000 weekly injections, will last approximately 3-4 months depending on dosing.
Pay per month: $1,000 for weekly injections for 4 weeks
Pay per visit: $250 for one shot
Tirzepatide
Buy a bottle: $4,500 weekly injections for approximately 3-4 months depending on dosing
Pay per month: $1,500 for weekly injections for 4 weeks
Pay per visit: $375 per shot, per week
*weight loss program prices include symptom management, lifestyle and diet change counseling