How Does Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Work?

Semaglutide is available under assorted widely advertised brand names. While dosages differ, it is comprised of synthetic hormones called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs. Tirzepatide has a similar chemical makeup.

These drugs do three things: 

• They cause the body to produce more insulin to help diabetics; 
• They slow down the rate of digestion, reducing feelings of hunger;
• They activate the areas of the brain that tell us we are full.

That last item is crucial because study after study has shown what most dieters already knew from experience – the more weight we lose, the hungrier we become. The sad truth is that weight loss triggers the increased production of hormones that tell us it’s time to eat while suppressing hormones that tell us we’re full. 

It’s not hard to see why our bodies became this way. In the not-too-distant past, a sudden drop in the amount of calories we ingested often meant a famine was on the way and it was time to pack on as much fat as possible to help us survive the lean times ahead. These feelings do not go away. While some very determined people can achieve their goal weight, vanishingly few can maintain it over time. Semaglutide and tirzepatide effectively counteract this all-but-insurmountable roadblock. 

Meals and Nutrition

Meals will likely be the smallest you’ve had in a very long time but you should not feel hungry afterward. Because you’ll be eating so much less food, however, choosing very nutritious foods will be essential. The good news is that you likely won’t have much interest in junk food while taking these medications. 

Our medical team will make specific recommendations about nutritional supplements to help ensure you’re getting all of the nutrition you need on your much new diet.

What About Side Effects?

All drugs may have some side effects and semaglutide and tirzepatide carry a risk of symptoms that may be unpleasant. Patients should be on the lookout for vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating as well as headaches and fatigue. Please contact the medically supervised team at Decoris Aesthetics immediately if you experience any of these symptoms and we will make the necessary adjustment depending on the situation.

Aren’t Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Only for Type 2 Diabetes?

Not anymore. While they were originally only authorized for diabetes treatment, doctors began prescribing the drugs off-label as their powerful weight loss side effects emerged. The drugs are considered dual-targeted in that they can help with both blood sugar and excess appetite. Semaglutide is now FDA-approved for weight loss and tirzepatide is available off-label. Studies have indicated that, for weight loss, both semaglutide¹ and tirzepatide² are effective and safe options.