It is also the active ingredient in Mounjaro@ which is FDA-Approved for diabetes. Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection that is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. lt is a single peptide that works on two hunger hormone receptors: GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLp-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1).

lt works on the GLP-1receptor like semaglutide but also works on another hormone GiP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). lt increases insulin production, decreases glucagon, decrease gastric emptying (feel full longer), and overall helping to control hunger and cravings. Working on two hunger hormones gives it a greater effect on weight reduction and the potential to be the most effective weight loss medication available.

The SURMOUNT-3 Study evaluated the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide compared to placebo for 72 weeks after a 12-week intensive lifestyle intervention lead-in period that included a low-calorie diet, exercise and frequent counseling sessions. The trial randomized adults with obesity or overweight who had at least 5% body weight reduction by the end of the 12 week lead-in period to placebo or tirzepatide. At study entry, the mean body weight was 241.4 lb. (109.5 kg). At the end of the 12-week lead-in period, participants achieved 6.9% (16.8 lb.) mean weight loss. ln a co-primary endpoint, following the lead-in period, participants taking tirzepatide achieved an additional 21.1% mean weight loss. ln a secondary endpoint, participants achieved a total mean weight loss of 26.6% (64.4 lb.) over 84 weeks.