What Is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a medication available by prescription only that helps lower blood sugar levels and can promote weight loss. It was developed by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and is a newer type of drug that combines two copycat hormones in one injection, which makes it different from older diabetes medications.
It works by mimicking two hormones that are naturally produced by your body, called GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones help keep your blood sugar under control and help regulate your hunger and fullness cues, which is why individuals taking this medication also often experience weight loss.
It was originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes by the FDA in May 2022 under the brand name Mounjaro, and then, in response to the significant weight loss results during clinical trials, the FDA approved tirzepatide in November 2023 for chronic weight management under the name Zepbound.
How It Works
When you eat, your natural GLP-1 and GIP hormones work together to signal your pancreas to release insulin, they slow down how fast your stomach empties, and they send messages to your brain that tell you that you feel full. By copying the effects of both GLP-1 and GIP simultaneously, tirzepatide works with your natural hormones to help lower your blood sugar levels and reduce your hunger. It has proven to work more effectively than medications like semaglutide or liraglutide that target only one of these hormones (GLP-1).
Because it works in two ways, tirzepatide can help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar, and it can help individuals who do not have diabetes to lose a significant amount of weight.
How Do You Use Tirzepatide Injections?
Tirzepatide is self-administered under the skin in locations that tend to have some excess fat, such as the lower abdomen, the upper thigh, or the outside of the upper arm. Most patients prefer using their upper thighs or their abdomen to administer their injections because it is challenging to give themselves an injection in the upper arm.
To avoid causing irritation or tenderness in the same location, it is recommended that you rotate your injection site. The medication works best if it is administered consistently, so do your best to administer your injection on the same day of the week and around the same time every week. Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions regarding proper usage and the dose you have been prescribed.
Why Is There a Specific Tirzepatide Dosage Schedule?
The tirzepatide dosage schedule is carefully designed to reduce the common side effects like nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea, which most people experience when starting the medication. Your body needs time to get used to the medicine, which is why doctors recommend slowly increasing the dose gradually over the course of several months, which is known as a titration schedule.
People often ask, “What is the starting dose of tirzepatide?” or “What is the lowest dose of tirzepatide?” The answer is 2.5 mg administered once per week. This low dose gives your body a gentle introduction to the medication so it can begin getting accustomed to the increase in hormones.
Once your body adjusts to the starting dose, your doctor will continue to increase the dose until it triggers weight loss. For many individuals, weight loss often kicks in around the tirzepatide 10mg dosage, but the one that works best for you may be different. Your doctor will closely monitor your progress and determine your exact tirzepatide dosing schedule.
Tirzepatide Dosing Chart
This is a sample tirzepatide dosing chart that shows the typical gradual dosing schedule and how it is usually increased.
| Weeks | One-Weekly Dose (mg) | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-4 | 2.5 mg | Starting dose | Helps the body adjust to the medication but may not provide full blood sugar control. |
| Weeks 5-8 | 5 mg | Initial maintenance dose | This dose may trigger weight loss for some, and your doctor may leave you on this dose for longer than four weeks, depending on your progress or tolerance. |
| Weeks 9-12 | 7.5 mg | Intermediate dose | Your doctor may move you up to this dose if you are not seeing results, have hit a plateau, and the prior 5 mg dose is well tolerated. |
| Weeks 13-16 | 10 mg | Higher maintenance dose | This is a common target for many to maintain long-term for weight loss and management. |
| 17-20 | 12.5 mg | Advanced dose | This dose is considered if results are subpar and a stronger dose is needed to promote weight loss. |
| 21+ | 15 mg | Maximum recommended dose | This is the highest dose available and is normally used only if lower doses have not yielded the expected results. |
Your doctor may keep you at a lower dose, longer if you have side effects or if you are losing an adequate amount of weight. Always wait for your doctor to modify your dose and never do it on your own.
Tirzepatide can really help further your efforts to help you lose a significant amount of weight, but the key words in this sentence are “your efforts.” The medication does a great job of optimizing your metabolism and curbing your appetite, so hunger pangs and food cravings do not drive you crazy, but it will not do all the work. You need to make the right food choices, get an adequate amount of exercise, and make healthy lifestyle choices to make the magic happen.
Are You Looking For Help With Tirzepatide?
If you are looking for help with tirzepatide weight loss injections, myslimmed.com can help! The team at MySlimMed will help you gain control of your weight to improve your health. Dr. Angelina and her team of professional experts understand that fad diets and hitting the gym every day are not sustainable for most people and often do not produce the results you are looking for.
The MySlimMed team will work with you to find the best weight loss options that will work for your needs and circumstances and will provide you with the support you need to reach your goals. Reach out to our weight loss experts today and set up your consultation to learn more.
