FAQs About Tirzepatide

Curious about how tirzepatide can help with weight loss?  From understanding how it works to managing potential side effects, many have questions about this medication. 

In this podcast, we’ll discuss the top questions to give you a clearer picture of how tirzepatide might fit into your weight loss journey.

How does tirzepatide work for weight loss?Tirzepatide, marketed as Zepbound, mimics the action of GLP-1 and GIP, two hormones naturally released by your gut. These hormones are critical in regulating appetite and how much food you consume. By enhancing the feeling of fullness and reducing hunger, tirzepatide helps support weight loss. Specifically, it has the following effects:

• Slows stomach emptying, helping you feel full longer after meals.

• Decreases appetite, leading to reduced food intake.

• Reduces food cravings.

• Stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels.

• Reduces the liver’s new glucose production, further improving blood sugar control.

These combined effects make tirzepatide a powerful tool for weight management and improving metabolic health.

1. How long does it take for tirzepatide to work?

In clinical trials, people typically began to notice weight loss around 4 weeks after starting tirzepatide. This is when the medication reaches stable levels in the body. The trial lasted for 72 weeks, and the participants continued to lose weight throughout the study. However, the most significant results were observed during the first 8 to 9 months of treatment.

2. How much weight do people lose with tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is one of the most effective weight-loss treatments available. In clinical trials, people lost, on average, between 15% and 21% of their starting body weight after 72 weeks of treatment. 

Additionally, longer treatment with tirzepatide tends to lead to more significant weight loss. People in two different studies lost an average of 25% of their starting body weight when using tirzepatide for an extended period. 

3. What’s the typical tirzepatide dosage for weight loss?

The initial tirzepatide dosage is 2.5 mg once a week for the first 4 weeks. After that, the dose is increased to 5 mg weekly. Most people remain on the 5 mg dose for the long term. If necessary, the dose can be gradually increased. But the increases should be by no more than 2.5 mg at a time, and there should be at least 4 weeks in between each one. The maximum tirzepatide dose is 15mg weekly.

4. How long does tirzepatide stay in your system?

Tirzepatide has a half-life of about 5 days, meaning that it takes this amount of time for your body to eliminate half of the medication. This helps determine when a medication starts wearing off and influences its dosing schedule. Since Tirzepatide’s half-life is 5 days, it only needs to be injected once weekly.

On the other hand, a longer half-life means it takes more time for your body to fully eliminate a medication. In the case of tirzepatide, small amounts of the medication may remain in your system for up to 25 days after a dose.

5. How long do you need to take tirzepatide?

The duration of tirzepatide treatment depends on your health and weight loss goals. It’s best to work with your healthcare provider to determine a timeline that suits your needs. Keep in mind that tirzepatide is designed for long-term use. Still, it may only be needed temporarily if you're able to adopt and sustain certain lifestyle changes after discontinuing the medication .

Research shows that maintaining weight loss with tirzepatide is achievable with continued use. At the end of cli