Description
Tirzepatide is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, manage chronic weight loss (in adults with obesity or those overweight with at least one weight-related condition), and treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. It is the active ingredient in the brand-name drugs Mounjaro (for diabetes) and Zepbound (for weight management and OSA), manufactured by Eli Lilly.
How It Works
Tirzepatide is a “first-in-class” dual agonist that mimics two natural gut hormones:
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
By activating the receptors for both hormones, tirzepatide works in several ways:
It stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar levels are high.
It reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver.
It slows down gastric emptying, which helps patients feel fuller for longer periods.
It targets areas in the brain that regulate appetite, which can help reduce food cravings and “food noise” (constant thoughts about eating).
Administration and Dosage
Tirzepatide is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The dosage typically starts low (2.5 mg) and is gradually increased by a healthcare provider every four weeks based on the patient’s tolerance and response, up to a maximum dose of 15 mg weekly.
