Tirzepatide is a prescription injectable medication that helps with weight loss by controlling hunger and improving how your body uses energy. It works by mimicking natural hormones that tell your brain you’re full and help regulate your blood sugar levels. This makes it easier to eat less and lose weight over time. Clinical studies have shown that Tirzepatide can help people lose a significant amount of weight when combined with healthy eating and regular exercise. It’s a great option for those looking for a medically supported way to reach their weight loss goals.

Our body makes a chemical called GLP-1 (GLP = Glucagon-Like Protein). It tells our brain that we are full (like we’ve already eaten) and slows the movement of food going from the stomach to the small intestine. This reduces your appetite, thus leading to weight loss. 

• About 15% of your body weight (on average) 
• If you combine this medication plus diet and exercise, you could lose even more.

• There is no specific foods to eat or not eat; however, we recommend a healthy diet. 
• If you are experiencing GI symptoms, we recommend:  
  • Smaller portions eaten more frequently  
  • Avoid greasy, carb-heavy foods, spicy foods, carbonated beverages 

It can take 2 months to start to see the effect of appetite curbing and weight loss to occur. The effects are not immediate, so you have to be patient. It might take 4-6 months before you see significant results.  

• Age 18 and over 
• No contraindications (see "who can't be treated") 
• Starting BMI of 22 or higher 
• Stop taking any other weight loss medication or supplement including phentermine, phendimetrazine (Bontril), or herbal supplements 

• Patient or family member has had thyroid cancer, such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 or Medullary Thyroid Cancer  
• Pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding 
• Diabetic and/or taking any medications related to lowering your blood sugar levels 
• Diabetic retinopathy (eye disease) 
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) 
• Pancreatitis 
• Pancreatic cancer 
• Kidney disease 
• Gallbladder stones 
• Allergy to Semaglutide or any other GLP-1 agonist (examples: Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®, Adlyxin®, Byetta®, Bydureon®, Trulicity®, Victoza®) 
• History of severe allergies or anaphylaxis 
• Are currently taking other weight loss medications (examples: phentermine, phendimetrazine) 

• Most people do experience temporary nausea. There may also be other GI symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, feeling bloated,  gassiness, upset stomach, stomach flu, heartburn. 
• Side effects are usually temporary. The GI symptoms tend to be mild to moderate in the beginning, then your body gets used to the medication and the side effects go away.  
• Less common side effects: headache, fatigue, dizziness, hypoglycemia, temporary hair loss.  
• Rare side effects: pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney failure, increased heart rate, depression, suicidal thoughts. 

• If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away (48 hrs), come in for the missed dose as soon as possible. 
• If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is less than 2 days away (48 hours), take the next dose on the regularly scheduled day.  
• If you miss doses for more than 2 weeks, take the next dose on the regularly scheduled day.  
• As long as you get at least 2 out of 4 injections of that dosage level, you can progress to the next dosage level (however, you may have increased GI symptoms). If you miss 3 out of 4 injections, you will need to stay at the same dosage for another 4 week cycle.