You’ve probably heard about weight loss medications like semaglutide — but it’s no longer the only effective option for improving your overall health. Tirzepatide is an exciting and innovative new treatment that offers numerous benefits beyond weight loss. If you’ve struggled to see real results from lifestyle changes alone, tirzepatide could be the solution. Here’s what you should know, and how Dr. Kamran Dastoury can help you take control of your weight loss journey.
What Is Tirzepatide?
For years, the medical community has developed and refined medications to help patients lose weight and maintain a healthier body mass index (BMI). Semaglutide marked a major advancement — but now, tirzepatide is raising the bar even higher.
Like semaglutide, tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection typically administered in areas such as the upper arm. It’s used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. While the two medications share similarities, tirzepatide is proving to be even more effective for weight loss and overall health.
How Tirzepatide Works
Tirzepatide is a dual-action medication classified as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics two key hormones involved in metabolism:
- GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1): Helps regulate blood sugar, triggers insulin release, and promotes a feeling of fullness after eating.
- GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide): Supports blood sugar regulation, lipid metabolism, cardiovascular health, and more.
Together, these hormones reduce appetite, help regulate energy levels, and enhance your ability to stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine. While GLP-1 helps you feel satisfied longer, GIP contributes to maintaining metabolic balance and energy.
Can Tirzepatide Help Me Lose Weight?
Yes — and in many cases, more effectively than previous options. Tirzepatide has been shown to produce average weight loss of up to 20% of body weight, making it one of the most impactful weight loss medications available today. Of course, your results will depend on factors like diet, exercise, and your overall health.
Tirzepatide can also be microdosed to help maintain weight loss or experience metabolic benefits without significantly affecting your appetite. Microdosing may help reduce side effects while still offering therapeutic advantages like improved blood sugar control. Dr. Dastoury can help you customize the right dosage for your goals.
Additional Health Benefits of Tirzepatide
Weight loss is just the beginning. Tirzepatide has shown promise in improving a variety of health markers:
- Improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control
- Reduced systemic inflammation
- Lowered risk of cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
- Decreased risk of complications from chronic diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and sleep apnea
Additionally, by slowing gastric emptying, tirzepatide helps you feel fuller longer and can curb cravings and mindless snacking. For many patients, this leads to a healthier relationship with food — and interestingly, research also suggests it may help reduce alcohol cravings and support recovery from alcohol addiction.
Understanding the Risks
As with any medication, tirzepatide carries some risks. Common side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
More serious risks, though rare, include acute kidney injury, kidney disease, and serious allergic reactions. Dr. Dastoury will carefully review your medical history and monitor your health throughout treatment to ensure safety. Depending on your individual risk factors, regular blood sugar monitoring may be recommended — especially if there’s a history of medullary thyroid cancer or related conditions.
Tirzepatide for Weight Loss in Denver, CO
Tirzepatide represents a breakthrough in chronic weight management, offering both physical and metabolic benefits. If you’re ready to explore your options and take the next step in your weight loss journey, contact Modern Surgical Arts of Denver to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kamran Dastoury. Call us today or fill out our online form to get started.
