In addition to Wegovy®/Ozempic® (generic semaglutide), there is a new FDA approved medication called Mounjaro® (generic tirzepatide), which is a first-in-class, once-weekly injection that is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is a single peptide that works on two hunger hormone receptors: GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1).

It works on the GLP-1 receptor like semaglutide (Wegovy®/Ozempic®) but also works on another hormone GiP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). It increases insulin production, decreases glucagon, decreases 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. Mounjaro® (generic name: tirzepatide) is FDA approved for the treatment of type II diabetes and is awaiting FDA approval for the treatment of obesity.

* Many doctors are prescribing the drug “off-label” for weight loss — which is permitted once a treatment is cleared for another use. Based on the results of the SURMOUNT-1 study, individuals (that were overweight/obese, not diabetic) lost up to 22.5% of their body weight.

The average weight reduction for the highest dose of tirzepatide (15 mg) was about 52 pounds.