Zep"bound" for great weight loss results! What you need to know about Tirzepatide

Zepbound is a unique once-weekly drug that treats the disease of obesity better than any approved drug in history so far! It is the first dual GLP1/GIP agonist approved in the United States. In this article, we'll discuss:

• How does it work?

• Weight loss results

• Who should NOT take it?

• Side effects

• How not to be malnourished or What’s all this talk about “ozempic-face” and “ozempic-butt”?!

Also, let's make sure to address this: If you've ever struggled with your weight, then you know how difficult it can be to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You may have tried numerous diets and exercise programs only to find yourself falling off track over time. What you were likely never told is increased hunger, decreased sensation of fullness, and decreased metabolism are all side effects of weight loss. This is why more than 90% of people that try don’t exercise alone for weight loss don’t see long-term weight loss. (Though they of course improve their health!)

The product is the first dual GLP1 GIP agonist approved in the United States.

Tirzepatide is the first drug to target both GLP1 and GIP, two hormones that affect your hunger and glucose control and can help you lose weight. The hormones work together in your body to promote weight loss, mainly by changing food intake.

GLP1 stands for glucagon-like peptide 1, which is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels by telling the pancreas to release insulin when it's needed. When you eat food, GLP1 also tells your brain that you're full so you don't overeat--and since this hormone helps keep blood sugar balanced throughout the day (which helps prevent energy crashes), it improved overall health, too! The problem with our own GLP1 hormone is it lasts only about 5-10 minutes, hence these medications that last much longer.

GIP stands for glucose dependent insulinotropic peptide; it acts similarly to GLP1 but has additional benefit of making other tissue in the body use sugar more effectively.

Weight loss results

Zepbound has been shown to help people lose around 20% (on average) of their total weight!

Basically everyone in these studies lost at least 5% of their weight and some lost around 30%!

Who should NOT take it?!

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take Zepbound.

• People who have had pancreatitis due to GLP1’s or have had pancreatitis and have continued risks (such as anatomic problems, alcohol use disorder, gallstones) should talk with their doctor before trying this medication. Note: patients with a history of pancreatitis from alcohol or gallstones that are now resolved were not included in most GLP1 medication studies so this should be a risk/benefit discussion with your physician!

• If you're allergic to any of the ingredients in Zepbound, don't use it unless directed by your doctor.

• Patients with a history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2). * Hypothyroid and papillary thyroid cancer are not related so do not worry about these!

Side effects

Side effects are the most common side of Zepbound. They can be managed and treated, but it's important to know what they are so that you can take care of yourself.

• Nausea: This is one of the most common side effects, especially when you first start taking Tirzepatide. If you experience nausea, make sure to take your medicine with food and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  

  • Minimize nausea by decreasing portions by 50% when you start it and don't skip meals!
    

• Constipation: This is relatively common with GLP1’s. Like with any other drug, constipation may occur if you don't drink enough water or eat enough fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. I typically recommend a fiber supplement like psyllium (Metamucil) first. Most of us don’t get enough fiber!!
  

• Diarrhea: Another common side effect associated with this class of medications Zepbound is diarrhea. This is usually preventable! Rules:
  

  • eat small, consistent meals

  • avoid sugary, fried, processed foods. Burger and fries, pizza, etc are a fast track to a rough time in bathroom.
    

Read this before starting AOM’s (anti-obesity medications)! I.e. What’s all this talk about “ozempic-face” and “ozempic-butt”?!

These are trendy terms for malnutrition! Some people have been experiencing nausea all week on a maintenance dose or they don't eat at all thinking they will lose weight faster. Both of these are wrong ways to go.

YOU NEED TO MAINTAIN LEAN MASS (mainly muscle).

Make sure to get at least 3 small meals daily

Optimize protein and exercise, especially resistance (bands/weights/machines) which helps maintain muscle mass.

If you lose weigh too quickly by not eating and also not exercising, you will lose too much muscle mass, your metabolism will go bye-bye, and you will most definitely start gaining the weight back. Fatigue, feeling cold all the time, irritability are just a few of the common signs that you aren't eating enough. Fuel your body!

Conclusion

I hope that you have found this article helpful in learning more about Zepbound, the newest drug on the market for obesity treatment. I know it can be confusing and overwhelming, but don't let that stop you! If you have questions or concerns about starting AOMs (anti-obesity medications), please talk with your doctor or contact MoKan Weight Loss and Metabolic Health LLC for your consultation.

To health,

Dr. Lindquist