4 Questions to Ask About Tirzepatide Injections

Yes, while Tirzepatide was originally FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, this medication is now available specifically for weight loss. In November 2023, the FDA approved Tirzepatide (under the brand name Zepbound) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity.

Tirzepatide is prescribed to patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above (obesity range). In addition, patients with a BMI of 27 or higher may be eligible for Tirzepatide treatment if they have weight-related conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or type 2 diabetes.

Clinical trials have shown that people using Tirzepatide for weight loss have seen significant reductions in body weight between 15% and 22.5% on average over 72 weeks. For those who have had a difficult time losing weight or keeping it off with solely diet and exercise changes, this medication can be a motivating breakthrough.

While Tirzepatide is a highly effective weight-loss tool, there are certain things you should avoid while on this medication. For example, it’s recommended to be cautious with alcohol consumption, especially if you’re using the medication to also help manage type 2 diabetes. Alcohol is known to interfere with blood sugar regulation and increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

In terms of your eating habits, you should keep in mind that this medication slows down how quickly your stomach empties, so eating large meals could lead to side effects like nausea, vomiting, or indigestion. To avoid this, it’s better to stick to smaller, more frequent meals that are balanced and nutrient-dense.

Also, if you’re taking any other medications, particularly those for blood pressure or blood sugar control, let your healthcare provider know. Certain medications will need to be adjusted when you start using Tirzepatide for weight loss.

During your consultation appointment, your healthcare provider will go over the dos and don’ts of Tirzepatide treatment in detail to ensure you are aware of what to expect.

Yes, tirzepatide can promote weight loss even without a strict diet and exercise regimen. That said, the results are far better when the medication is combined with healthy lifestyle changes. Tirzepatide works by controlling appetite and improving how your body uses insulin, which can result in some weight loss even if you don’t make significant adjustments to your eating or exercise habits.

However, clinical trials have demonstrated that people who used Tirzepatide alongside a calorie-reduced diet and regular physical activity saw the most dramatic weight loss results. While you may see some benefits from the medication on its own, adding healthy habits like portion control and effective stress management will maximize the weight loss potential of Tirzepatide and lead to more sustainable results.

Currently, there is no specific time limit for how long it’s recommended to stay on Tirzepatide for weight management. If the medication continues to help you manage your weight effectively, therefore improving your wellness, your doctor may advise you to continue taking it as part of a long-term weight management plan.

In clinical trials, participants used Tirzepatide for over a year (72 weeks) and saw continued benefits throughout that time. The weight loss wasn’t just rapid but also sustained, which suggests that long-term use can be beneficial in certain cases. As with any medication, ongoing evaluation during Tirzepatide treatment is important. Your healthcare provider will regularly assess how well this treatment approach is working for you and whether it continues to be the best approach.

Some people experience side effects like nausea, digestive discomfort, or fatigue early on in their Tirzepatide treatment, but these issues typically subside after a few weeks. The bottom line is that if you’re tolerating the medication well, you can continue taking it under the guidance of a medical professional for as long as it remains beneficial.

You can consult Dr. Phillips Nagsuk, MD. Contact us for more details or schedule your appointment today. We’re conveniently located at 242 N Edinburgh Drive, Winter Park, FL 32792. We serve clients from Winter Park FL, Maitland FL, Casselberry FL, Winter Springs FL, Orlando FL, and Altamonte Springs FL.