What is Semaglutide & Tirzepatide and How Do they Help You Lose Weight?
- Semaglutide & Tirzepatide are hormones made mostly in our digestive tract (gut)
- These medications help with weight loss by emptying our stomachs slower so we feel full longer. This results in less calories and smaller portions consumed
- It also signals to our brain a feeling of “I'm satisfied” or “l'm full” so we feel less hungry and have decreased cravings to help us stay on track with eating healthier. These medications also help with blood sugar regulation, in part by reducing the production of sugar in the liver and stimulating insulin secretion by the pancreas.
- Research has shown that taking Semaglutide& Tirzepatide not only leads to significant weight reduction but leads to improvement in cholesterol levels, blood pressure levels & (HgbA1C) reduction.
- Research trials are currently evaluating it as a potential treatment option for conditions such as Fatty liver and PCOS.
What Are Some Health Benefits?
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite and cravings
- Improved blood glucose control
- Decrease inflammation throughout the body which leads to Adiponectin release and fat lipolysis
- Improves cardio-metabolic risk factors such as lowering cholesterol and blood pressure among others!
What Are The Most Common Side Effects?
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Acid reflux
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting/Diarrhea
How Much Weight Will I Lose on Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?
Based on data from randomized controlled trials, you can expect to lose up to 5% of your weight in a month. After two months, you could lose up to 8%. Adults on average had 15% weight loss or about 35lbs. (1 in 3 patients) or 30% of people taking Semaglutide lost 20% or more body weight or about 46lbs. Every patient is different and results will vary. It is important to follow a well-balanced diet and to consistently exercise while on this medication.
*Results are from a 68-week medical study of adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) and adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also had weight-related medical problems including high blood pressure or high cholesterol
Adults taking Zepbound in a clinical trial lost on average 48 lbs. at the highest dose!
Helpful Tips to Help Avoid Side Effects
- Avoid high-fat foods, fried foods, fatty foods (including fast food) as well as foods high in sugar
- Try eating smaller more frequent meals
- Ensure some type of protein or meal prior to any workouts
- Hydration is also key to preventing or minimizing nausea
- Avoid laying down immediately after a meal (ideally waiting 3-4 hours)
*If side effects become uncomfortable talk with provider about medications that can be used to help improve nausea or heartburn side effectsWhy is B-12 (Cyanocobalamin) , B6 or Glycine Added to the Injections?
- B-12 or Cyanocobalamin is added to Semaglutide/Tirzepatide injections to reduce possible nausea side effects.
- B-12 and B6 are added to Semaglutide troche to help decrease possible nausea side effects
- Glycine is added to Semaglutide/Tirzepatide injection to help prevent muscle loss during weight loss
How is Semaglutide/Tirzepatide Taken?
- Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are taken as a once weekly injection. It is most commonly given in the abdomen at a 45 or 90 degree angle in the fatty tissue (subcutaneous tissue).It is administered using a small insulin needle.
- It is important to rotate or change the site you inject into from week to week to avoid any irritation to the tissue
- There is also an oral form of Semaglutide that is taken as a once daily dissolvable tablet under the tongue called a lozenge or troche.
Who Should Not Use Semaglutide/ Tirzepatide?
- People with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer
- Personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 or Medullary thyroid cancer
- Caution in history of pancreatitis
- Should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or who are taking other GLP-1 medications
- Eye disease, vision problems
- History of pancreatitis
- Kidney disease
- Stomach problems
- An unusual or allergic reaction to semaglutide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
- Women of child bearing age should be on some form of birth control while on Semaglutide/Tirzepatide. A non oral contraceptive form is preferred (ex: IUD, Nexplanon, condoms) as there is no guarantee that the delayed gastric emptying seen with these weight loss medication may not alter the effectiveness of oral birth control pills.
How Can I Safely Dispose of My Used Needles and Syringes?
- Use household containers, such as plastic detergent bottles, only if the lid is secured with heavy-duty tape and the words, “Do Not Recycle,” are written on the container with a permanent marker.
- Never place the container in the recycle bin. Containers can only be disposed of in the trash.