What is Semaglutide/Tirzepatide and How Does it Work for Weight loss?

Semaglutide or Tirzepatide are a class of medications known as GLP1-RA/GIP-RA. These are a class of medications which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally approved for use in treating type 2 diabetes. In recent years, these medications have aided in weight loss among other health conditions. The drug mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1 receptor agonist/GIP receptor agonist which is produced in the GI tract, as well as other areas of the body and it has shown to reduce hunger and cravings, preventing overeating. With PROPER use, GLPRA/GIPRA can help individuals reach their weight loss goals without compromising on health concerns.

***These benefits are achieved by taking the correct dosages prescribed by medical professionals.***

GLPRA/GIPRA is an injectable glucagon analogue used to treat type 2 diabetes and is now approved for chronic weight management in individuals with a BMI of 27 or higher. It works by improving insulin resistance and allowing calories and fat to be burned while increasing energy levels. These receptor agonists also curbs appetite, making it easier to stay on track with daily calorie intake goals for weight loss.

Effectiveness in Non Diabetics

This dose escalation drug has been extensively studied as a treatment strategy for managing obesity in individuals who do not have type 2 diabetes. When administered subcutaneously weekly, it significantly reduces weight, along with lifestyle interventions such as increased physical activity and/or reduced calorie intake.

GLP-1 Agonist Side Effects and How to Prevent Them

To lesson the common side effects follow these guidelines:

  • Eat smaller meals

  • Eat meals that are high in nutrition

  • Do not lay down for at least 2-3 hours after you eat

  • Avoid foods that you know do not agree with you

  • Increase water intake to ½ of your body weight in oz. (So if you weight 150lbs, you want to drink about 75 oz in water per day or MORE.)

  • Dizziness (Eat enough proteins and calories)

  • Headaches (Drink plenty of water, take Tylenol)

  • Nausea (Eat small amounts of food, drink ginger tea or ginger chews)

  • Diarrhea (Not very common, can take immodium, consult if it does not get better)

  • GI disruption (Acid reflux, indigestion, take tums, do not eat late at night, avoid laying down after eating)

  • Gas/bloating (move and walk around, take tums)

  • Constipation (take stool softener, MiraLAX, or magnesium citrate)

 

Patients should be aware that certain medical conditions or current medications may cause complications and are advised to discuss their medical history and current medications in its entirety with their healthcare provider before taking GLP-1 Agonist.

Common Side Effects

GLP-1 Agonist injections can cause common side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, headaches, gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and gas, anxiety, blurred vision, and chills. Of these side effects, nausea is the most commonly reported symptom.

Patients should contact a medical professional if they experience certain symptoms, including vomiting, cool pale skin, swelling in the neck with persistent hoarseness, cold sweats and lightheadedness, which may result in confusion.

Precautions and Contraindications

It is also not to be taken if you have a hypersensitivity to the medication. The risk of low blood sugar can occur if a meal or snack is delayed or missed, excessive exercise is done, large amounts of alcohol are consumed, or an individual is unable to eat due to nausea and vomiting. A healthy and balanced plan is important to follow during GLPRA/GIPRA treatment.

It is important to identify individuals who have potential risk for adverse reactions that might make them ineligible for treatment with GLP-1 Agonists. These risks include persons with personal or family history with thyroid tumors, chronic kidney, renal function, medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome and hepatic failure, as well as those patients already receiving insulin therapy and certain diabetes medications.

Working with a healthcare provider to monitor progress when initiating GLP-1 Agonist treatment is important. Follow up visits may be necessary to ensure success.

Keep up with Your Regular Check Ups and Follow Ups with Your Primary Provider

Regular check-ups and follow-ups are crucial for successful weight loss management with GLP-1 Agonist such as GLPRA/GIPRA.

Call your provider at once if you have:

  • vision changes;

  • unusual mood changes, thoughts about hurting yourself

  • pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest

  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out

  • signs of a thyroid tumor--swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, feeling short of breath

  • symptoms of pancreatitis--severe pain in your upper stomach

  • spreading to your back, nausea with or without vomiting, fast heart rate

  • gallbladder problems--upper stomach pain, fever, clay-colored stools

  • low blood sugar--headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery

  • kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath

  • stomach flu symptoms--stomach cramps, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea (may be watery or bloody)