Tirzepatide

What it does

A dual agonist that activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, the two main gut hormones that manage appetite and blood sugar. Hitting both tends to produce more weight loss than GLP-1 alone. Approved as Mounjaro and Zepbound. What people look into it for: • Large average weight loss in trials (often around 20% at higher doses) • Strong appetite reduction and fewer cravings • Excellent blood-sugar control in type 2 diabetes • Improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol and sleep apnoea Doses step up slowly to limit nausea and stomach upset. Protein intake and resistance training matter for keeping muscle.

Mechanism

Dual incretin agonism improving insulin secretion, satiety and gastric emptying.

Storage — lyophilised

Refrigerate 2-8C, protect from light.

Storage — reconstituted

Refrigerate 2-8C, use within ~28 days.

Reconstitution notes

Compounded vials vary widely; verify strength before dosing.

Commonly reported side effects

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Injection-site reactions

Contraindications noted

• Medullary thyroid carcinoma history
• MEN2
• Pregnancy
• Severe gastrointestinal disease

Research notes

Dose escalation over months is standard in the approved label.