From the Guidelines
The expected weekly weight loss on tirzepatide is approximately 0.5 to 1.5 kg per week, with higher doses resulting in greater weight loss, as evidenced by a recent study published in JAMA in 2023 1. This rate of weight loss can vary based on individual factors including starting weight, dosage, diet, and physical activity levels.
- Tirzepatide is administered as a once-weekly injection, with doses usually starting at 2.5mg and potentially increasing to 5mg, 10mg, or 15mg over time.
- Higher doses generally produce greater weight loss, with a study showing that 15 mg of tirzepatide resulted in a mean weight loss of 20.9% over 72 weeks, compared to 19.5% for 10 mg and 15.0% for 5 mg 1.
- The medication works by mimicking two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) that regulate blood sugar and appetite, helping patients feel fuller longer and reducing food intake.
- Weight loss is typically more rapid in the first few months and then gradually slows.
- For best results, tirzepatide should be combined with calorie reduction and regular physical activity, as shown in a clinical trial where participants received lifestyle counseling sessions, a reduced-calorie diet, and physical activity for 72 weeks 1.
- Side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common but often improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication. The most effective dose of tirzepatide for weight loss is 15 mg weekly, which has been shown to result in greater weight loss compared to other medications such as semaglutide and liraglutide 1.
From the Research
Expected Weekly Weight Loss on Tirzepatide
- The expected weekly weight loss on tirzepatide can be estimated from various studies, including 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
- According to 2, tirzepatide at 5-15 mg per week reduces body weight by 5.4-11.7 kg, with 20.7 to 68.4% of patients losing more than 10% of their baseline body weight.
- In 3, two individuals with Alström syndrome treated with tirzepatide experienced weight loss of -28 kg and -9.5 kg, respectively, over 18 months and 9 months.
- The study 4 reported a dose-dependent bodyweight loss ranging from 7.0 to 9.5 kg with tirzepatide monotherapy.
- In 5, a male health outcomes investigator taking compounded tirzepatide 7.5 mg/week therapy achieved a 5% reduction in body weight over four weeks.
- A systematic review 6 found that tirzepatide significantly reduced body weight by -9.81 kg compared to placebo, with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events.
Weight Loss Efficiency and Safety
- The weight loss efficiency of tirzepatide is dose-dependent, with higher doses resulting in greater weight loss 2, 4.
- Tirzepatide has been shown to be effective in reducing body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity 2, 3, 6.
- The safety profile of tirzepatide is consistent with GLP-1 receptor agonists, with gastrointestinal adverse events being the most common 2, 4, 6.
- The incidence of serious adverse events and hypoglycemia is lower with tirzepatide compared to other treatments 6.