Semaglutide and Tirzepatide belong to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. When used for weight loss, these medications work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite and signal a feeling of fullness. Tirzepatide has the added benefit of being a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) whch also provides a sensation fo fullness.

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide help to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes by stimulating insulin release and reducing glucagon secretion. It can also lead to weight loss, as it helps decrease appetite and slows down stomach emptying. Both have also been shown to decrease cardiometabolic risk factors by improving cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

They are administered once a week by injection into subcutaneous tissue. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose for you based on your individual needs and response to the medication. It's essential to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and take Semaglutide as prescribed

Like any medication, Semaglutide and/or Tirzepatide may cause side effects in some people. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain. These side effects usually improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Rare but serious side effects may include pancreatitis and kidney problems.

1. Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC): These drugs are contraindicated in individuals with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

2. Known hypersensitivity: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the excipients in the formulation.

3. Severe gastrointestinal disease: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide is contraindicated in patients with severe gastrointestinal disease, such as gastroparesis, as it may worsen the condition.

4. End-stage renal disease: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide is contraindicated in patients with end-stage renal disease or patients on dialysis due to lack of clinical data in these populations.

5. Patients under 18 years of age: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide is not recommended for use in patients under the age of 18 due to insufficient data on safety and efficacy in this population.

6. Women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or nursing.

Overall, the clinical trial data (since the early 2000’s) has shown that Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are generally safe and well-tolerated when used as prescribed by a healthcare provider. .

The amount of time it takes to lose weight with can vary from person to person and depends on various factors, including individual metabolism, starting weight, diet, exercise habits, and adherence to treatment. Clinical trials evaluating Semaglutide and Tirzepatide for weight management have shown significant weight loss over a period of weeks to months. In these trials, participants typically experienced gradual weight loss over the course of several months, with the greatest weight loss observed in the first few months of treatment.

Once you reach your goal weight, you can either stay on a maintenance dose or discontinue the medication.

It's important to note that these medications are intended for long-term use as part of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes lifestyle modifications. When these medications are discontinued, individuals may experience an increase in appetite and a return to previous eating habits, which can contribute to weight regain.

Weight regain after discontinuing these medications can occur, especially if lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are not maintained. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide help with weight loss by reducing appetite, but once the medication is stopped, these effects may diminish over time.

Treatment can typically start within a week of your full consultation (if you are a candidate).

This will depend on several factors and can be discussed with your healthcare professional.

In recent studies, Tirzepatide has been shown to be superior to Semaglutide for increased weight loss and fewer side effects. However, it is more expensive and many people have great success on Semaglutide.