Prescription Medication for Weight Loss: Semaglutide and Trizepatide
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are prescription medications for weight loss and blood sugar control. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist.
Benefits: Both promote weight loss, improve cardiovascular health, and control blood sugar. Tirzepatide’s dual function has been shown to be more effective for weight loss (15.7% average body weight loss) than semaglutide (10.7%).
Mechanism: These medications mimic your natural digestive hormones, increase insulin resulting in a lowering of blood sugar, and reducing glucagon which raises blood sugar when released. They also slow gastric emptying, and increase satiety, which means it takes a longer time for your food to digest so you feel fuller for longer.
Side Effects: Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, acid reflux, temporary hair loss and lethargy.
Rare But Serious Side Effects
Pancreatitis: Risk factors include: History of pancreatitis, Gallstones, High blood triglyceride levels, Excessive alcohol use, Severe kidney disease, Taking other medications associated with pancreatitis, An overdose of semaglutide
Semaglutide also has a black box warning for thyroid C-cell tumors. Animal studies found an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors with semaglutide. But this risk hasn’t been confirmed in people. You shouldn’t use semaglutide if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid cancer, or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2.
Stomach or Intestinal paralysis that may or may not resolve with the discontinuation of Semaglutide.
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Breakdown of how GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists work, and how they differ:
Here’s how GLP-1 receptor agonists (Semaglutide, and 1st component of Tirzepatide) work:
- Stimulate insulin release: GLP-1 receptor agonists bind to GLP-1 receptors on the pancreas, which stimulates the release of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps lower blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter cells for energy.
- Suppress glucagon secretion: GLP-1 receptor agonists also suppress the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. This helps to further lower blood sugar levels and improve overall blood sugar control.
- Slow gastric emptying: GLP-1 receptor agonists slow down the rate at which food empties from the stomach into the small intestine. This can help to reduce blood sugar spikes after meals and promote feelings of fullness..
- Increase satiety: GLP-1 receptor agonists can also increase feelings of fullness (satiety) by acting on the brain. This can help to reduce appetite and food intake, which can also contribute to weight loss.
- Weight loss: Due to their effects on satiety and gastric emptying, GLP-1 receptor agonists can promote weight loss.
Here’s how the GIP receptor agonist (other component of Tirzepatide) works:
- Mimicking GIP: Tirzepatide mimics the action of a natural hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). GIP is released in the gut after eating.
- Increasing Insulin Release: When Tirzepatide binds to the GIP receptor, it stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps lower blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter cells for energy. This effect is particularly helpful after meals when blood sugar levels tend to rise.
- Other Potential Effects: While the primary action of GIP is to stimulate insulin release, it may also play a role in fat metabolism and energy storage. However, the exact mechanisms and significance of these effects are still being studied.
Important Note:
- Tirzepatide is a dual agonist, meaning it activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
This combined action is what makes it more effective for blood sugar control and weight loss compared to medications that only target the GLP-1 receptor.
