What are these exciting peptides for weight loss?
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are peptides, which are short chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.
Semaglutide is specifically a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist “GLP-1 RA,“ which activates these receptors in the brain and the intestines to suppress appetite, promotes satiety and produce weight loss.
How does a GLP-1 work?
Reduces Appetite
Reduces appetite by working in the brain to signal a feeling of fullness, reducing hunger, cravings, and “food noise.”
Slows Digestion
Slows digestion so you feel fuller for longer after meals.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar
Stabilizes blood sugar by helping the body release insulin at the right time. Semaglutide can prevent spikes in blood sugar and having a stable blood sugar can reduce hunger, keep your energy stable, and reduce inflammation. And of course, reduce your body weight!
May Improve Cardiometabolic Health
May improve cardiometabolic risk factors by reducing waist circumference, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
May Reduce
Blood Pressure
Helps to regulate blood pressure through multiple mechanisms across the body.
What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a dual agonist peptide that works as a GLP-1 agonist as well as a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which is a hormone naturally made by the body and expressed in various tissues, including the pancreas, adipose tissue and the central nervous system. By targeting both receptors, Tirzepatide leverages the effects of both hormones to enhance glucose regulation and reduces body weight.
How do a GLP-1 and GIP work together?
Supports Insulin Release
Supports insulin release by the pancreas to keep your blood sugar stable. Lowers HgA1C numbers.
Reduces Fat Storage
Reduces fat storage when combined with a lower calorie diet.
Promotes Satiety
Promotes the feelings of fullness and satiety.
Superior Combination
The combination has been shown to be superior in weight loss reduction than a GLP-1 agonist alone.
Reduction in Cravings and Addictive Behaviors
There are studies being done on how these peptides impact our “addictive” patterns and behaviors in the brain. It seems likely related to the reward pathways in the brain where the drive for food overlaps with the drive for addictive substances. In our practice, we have seen a significant reduction in alcohol cravings and consumption, nicotine cravings and other addictive behaviors.
These peptides are key for:
Effective weight loss
Improving insulin sensitivity
Reducing cardiovascular events, which is the #1 killer for men and women.
Common Side Effects and Prevention
With these peptides, we mostly see GI symptoms, such as decreased appetite (a desired effect), nausea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, bloating, gassiness, constipation and diarrhea. Often these symptoms improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication. One of the reasons we use Tirzepatide is that it causes significantly fewer side effects. We also start with a low dosage and titrate up slowly (only if necessary) for weight loss. We keep doses high enough for results but low enough to prevent most side effects.