Losing weight can be challenging, especially for men as they age. If you’re someone who has tried working out and eating a healthy diet and still seems to be struggling to shed extra pounds, tirzepatide might help.
In this article, you’ll learn what tirzepatide is and how it works to help men lose weight.
What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Mounjaro, is a new weight loss drug. It can be used to help men lose unwanted pounds and reach their ideal weight. While it has previously been used to help individuals with diabetes, it can potentially be effective at helping people lose weight.
Tirzepatide is administered as a subcutaneous injection on a weekly basis for up to 16 weeks. Periodic treatment can be administered as needed following this time period. The exact amount of dosage will vary from person to person based on each individual’s health, weight, and specific weight loss goals. The dosage is slowly increased over time, with most individuals noticing a change in weight between 4 to 6 weeks after beginning the injections.
When tirzepatide is combined with a healthy diet and exercise, it can potentially help you achieve maximum results.
A recent SURMOUNT clinical trial of tirzepatide showed that individuals lost up to 15.7% (34.4 pounds) of body weight on 15 mg of the drug compared to placebo (3.3%, 7 pounds). Additionally, individuals that were taking 10 mg of tirzepatide achieved average weight reductions (average weight loss) of 13.4% (29.8 pounds). 938 adult participants with obesity and type 2 diabetes participated in the study.
The study also showed that 81.6% of individuals on 10 mg and 86.4% of individuals on 15 mg achieved at least 5% of body weight reduction.
How Does Tirzepatide Cause Weight Loss?
Tirzepatide works as a weight loss medication in a variety of ways:
Since tirzepatide is a GLP receptor agonist (glucagon-like-peptide-1), it mimics the hormone GLP-1 that is known for regulating hunger, which results in individuals eating less food. Additionally, it also mimics the GIP hormone (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). This hormone is known for increasing the amount of glucose in the body, which can lead to a feeling of fullness.
Tirzepatide slows down the rate at which food is emptied into the intestines, leaving it in the stomach longer and creating a feeling of satisfaction and fullness.
Tirzepatide can potentially lead to increased energy, which results in moving more often throughout the day and burning more calories.
Benefits of Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide injections could potentially offer numerous benefits, including:
- Reducing body weight, especially when combined with following a healthy diet and exercising regularly
- Serving as a weight management drug for consistent weight loss over an extended period of time
- Diminishing risk of heart and cardiovascular disease upon achieving a healthy weight
- Helping you to look and feel healthier
- Requiring only one injection per week
Is Tirzepatide FDA-Approved?
Tirzepatide is not yet FDA-approved. While it is believed to be effective in helping individuals lose weight, there is still much being learned about the benefits it can provide.
Potential Side Effects
The SURMOUNT clinical trials showed that the most common adverse events can include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
More severe side effects could include kidney failure, allergic reactions, changes in vision, pancreatitis, and others. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional about the risks associated with tirzepatide and to determine if you’re the best candidate for this medication.
Tirzepatide Key Takeaways
- Tirzepatide could potentially be effective for losing weight
- It can be most effective when paired with a healthy diet and exercise
- Injections are often administered on a weekly basis for up to 16 weeks and periodically as needed following this time period
- We are still learning about the full range of benefits tirzepatide can provide
No more waiting in a cold, sterile medical office. At Gameday Men’s Health, we’re committed to providing you with fast appointments, effective results, and a comfortable environment.
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