Originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications were found to have an “interesting” side-effect: significant weight loss. This unexpected benefit led to further research and FDA approval for the use of Ozempic (as Wegovy) and Mounjaro (as Zepbound) in obesity and weight management. The active ingredients in these medications are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. (see article: Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide)

These medications are primarily administered as injections, using small needles that are placed superficially into fatty areas of the body. They interact with cell receptors in the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and other parts of the body. These medications are modified versions of peptide molecules that closely resemble structures produced by our bodies. They can delay the processing and emptying of food from the stomach, leading to feelings of early and long-lasting fullness after meals. They also influence brain centers to regulate and reduce cravings, which can help patients manage stress-eating and reward-eating behaviors.

Extensive research on these medications has revealed that they have many other effects in our bodies that confer potential health benefits beyond weight loss. Wegovy has recently received FDA approval for use to lower the risk of nonfatal heart attacks, nonfatal strokes, and cardiovascular death (the so-called “MACE” risk) in high-risk adults who are overweight or obese.

Enhancing Weight Management through Advanced Science
Medical weight loss injections with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide injections leverage the latest advancements in medical science to support significant weight loss. These medications function similarly to naturally occurring hormones in the body. They are designed to regulate appetite and enhance metabolic health, which are crucial in managing obesity and associated health risks. When used responsibly in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes – specifically reduced intake of calories, eating a healthier diet, and incorporating regular exercise into patients’ daily activities – medical weight loss injections can contribute to a healthy, sustainable plan to achieve lasting weight loss.

Mechanism of Action
The active agents in these injections mimic the effect of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone that plays a vital role in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism. Here’s how they facilitate weight loss:

• Gastric Delay: By slowing down gastric emptying, these injections help you feel fuller longer after meals, reducing the urge to overeat.
• Appetite Suppression: They increase satiety and decrease hunger through direct action on the appetite centers in the brain, leading to a lower caloric intake.
• Blood Sugar Control: By inhibiting the release of glucagon — a hormone that raises blood glucose levels — these injections help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is especially beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

How does medical weight loss with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide work?

• Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are GLP-1 receptor agonists that help regulate appetite and food intake by mimicking the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which slows gastric emptying and increases feelings of fullness and reduces hunger. The medications also act in centers of the brain to decrease cravings, often for unhealthy foods. Cravings can be triggered by many things – including stress, hormone changes, fatigue, or anxiety – which can be a reason why we consume more calories than we need, and are a big factor in weight gain and difficulty in losing weight. These medications have mostly beneficial effects on many different organs in our bodies, with some studies showing that they can improve the health of mitochondria in cells, which may contribute to healthier metabolism.

Which is more effective for weight loss, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?

• Trizepatide use was associated with greater weight loss (20% in clinical trials on Zepbound – the commercially available form) over similar time periods compared to Semaglutide (15% in trials on Wegovy), so it appears to be “stronger” than Semaglutide.

Where can it be injected?

• These medications can be injected into parts of the body that have a fatty layer. Most commonly, patients will inject them into belly fat, but they can also be injected into fatty layer on the inner or upper thigh, and the tricep region.  These are the most commonly used sites for injection.

Will I regain the weight after I come off the medication?

• Studies have found that a high percentage of patients do regain weight after stopping the medications.
• Learning how to adopt healthier lifestyles through education about nutrition, as well as managing stress and being more active, will help you maintain your weight loss.
• So far, these medications appear to be safe for long-term, so staying on the medications may be an option for some patients.

When is the best time to take these medications?

• Doses can be taken at any time of the day, but their peak effectiveness on reducing hunger appears to occur within 2-3 days after taking the medication, then gradually wear off over the week leading up to the next dose. It can be helpful to identify the times of the week when patients feel like they are most stressed, or tend to eat the most, and consider taking their weekly dose 1-2 days prior. For example, some people are more social and go out to restaurants more over the weekends, so it may be helpful to take their dose on Wednesday or Thursday to try and get the strongest effect over the time frame when they are more likely to eat more.

Are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide safe for long-term use?

• Studies suggest that both medications are safe for long-term use when monitored by a healthcare provider. Long-term safety data is continually being collected and patients should have regular follow-up visits with their healthcare providers to screen for conditions that may arise.

Do I need to follow a specific diet or exercise plan while on the medical weight loss program?

• While no specific diet is required maintaining a healthy balanced diet is critical to reducing the risks of regaining weight over time and improving your overall health.

Can I take tirzepatide or semaglutide if I have other health conditions?

• For most health conditions the answer is yes, but this requires a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider in order to analyze each patient’s own safety and risk assessment to determine if our medical weight loss program is safe for you.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

• If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember it. If you are on a higher dosage of the medication (not the initial 1st or 2nd doses), AND you miss more than 2 weeks of your medication, you should restart the medication at a lowered dosage to avoid the risk of severe nausea and vomiting. Always check with your healthcare provider if you are unsure.

Are there medications or supplements that I should avoid while taking semaglutide or tirzepatide?

• Because of the effect of these medications on slowing down gastric emptying, there are some possible concerns about possibly affecting the efficacy of other medications and supplements; however, these are not confirmed effects. The primary interaction that has raised some concern is a potential decrease in the effectiveness of birth control pills, and some precautions have suggested that women should consider using a backup method to avoid any possible risk. During your consultation, be sure to inform your provider of any medications or supplements that you are currently taking to ensure that all necessary precautions are considered.

Is it safe to get pregnant while on the medical weight loss program?

• There are no conclusive studies on taking Semaglutide and Tirzepatide during pregnancy, and therefore it is not recommended to try to conceive while on these medications. Patients should be off of these medications for 2 months prior to attempting to get pregnant.

Related Article: Understanding the Difference Between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide