From the Research
When starting tirzepatide for obesity, titrate the dose every 4 weeks and aim for a weight loss goal of 5-10% of initial body weight within 3-6 months, as supported by the most recent study 1. Begin with 2.5 mg subcutaneously once weekly for 4 weeks. Then increase to 5 mg weekly for 4 weeks. Continue titrating up by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks as tolerated, to a maximum dose of 15 mg weekly. Weight loss goals should be individualized, but generally aim for:
- 5% weight loss within 3 months
- 10% weight loss within 6 months If these targets aren't met, reassess the treatment plan. Consider factors like adherence, diet, and exercise. Some patients may require a longer duration to see full effects. Monitor for side effects, particularly gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. These often improve with time. Slow titration helps minimize adverse effects. Tirzepatide works by mimicking GLP-1 and GIP hormones, reducing appetite and slowing gastric emptying. This dual action provides more effective weight loss compared to GLP-1 agonists alone, as shown in studies 2, 3, 4, 5. Remember to combine medication with lifestyle modifications for optimal results. Encourage a calorie-restricted diet and increased physical activity alongside tirzepatide treatment. Key points to consider:
- Tirzepatide has been shown to provide substantial and sustained reductions in body weight, with a mean percent change in body weight of -12.3% to -19.7% compared to placebo 1.
- The most common adverse events with tirzepatide are gastrointestinal, and most are mild to moderate in severity, occurring primarily during dose escalation 1, 2.
- Tirzepatide has also been shown to improve multiple cardiometabolic risk factors, including reduction in liver fat, new-onset macroalbuminuria, blood pressure, and lipids 4.