Obesity affects over 100 million adults in the US, and 37 million suffer from diabetes, highlighting a significant public health crisis across the country. Type 2 diabetes and obesity contribute to heart disease, stroke, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, joint issues such as osteoarthritis, and mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem [1].
Fortunately, effective treatments are available and growing. Tirzepatide is a recently FDA-approved medication designed to treat both type 2 diabetes and obesity by activating the GLP-1 and GIP receptors to increase insulin secretion, reduce appetite, and improve metabolic functioning.
What Is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a medication used to aid in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight management. It acts as an agonist for two receptors: GLP-1 and GIP, activating them to increase the hormone insulin when blood sugar is high.
Medical studies also show that it reduces glucagon levels, slows gastric emptying, and decreases appetite, contributing to better blood sugar control and weight loss. It is sold under the brand name Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for weight management [2].
Tirzepatide vs Ozempic
Ozempic (semaglutide) is another popular weight loss drug, much more widely known than tirzepatide. It has similar effects, but differs in its mechanism of action. Despite tirzepatide showing greater weight loss effectiveness than Ozempic in clinical trials, Ozempic is more popular due to its earlier introduction to the market and FDA approval, as well as celebrity promotions, with many stars touting the drug [3].
Some of the key differences between Tirzepatide and Ozempic include:
Drug /Feature | Tirzepatide | Ozempic |
Mechanism of Action | Mimics both GLP-1 receptor and GIP hormone, this dual action can lead to increased effects on blood sugar and weight | GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the GLP-1 hormone to regulate blood sugar |
Effectiveness | Users lost 15% to 21% of their body weight after a 72-week period | Users lost 10% to 15% of their body weight after a 72-week period |
FDA Approval | Zepbound for weight loss and sleep apnea, Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes and lowering the risk of heart attack in individuals with diabetes, off-label use for weight loss |
Side Effects and Administration | Both are administered as an injection 1x a week with similar side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea | Both administered as an injection 1x a week with similar side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea |
How Long Does Tirzepatide Take To Work?
Tirzepatide usually starts to show effects 2 to 3 weeks after starting treatment. The body begins adjusting to improve insulin sensitivity. During this period, users may first notice more appetite control, increased energy, and a bit of weight loss. Between 4 and 6 weeks is when more noticeable weight loss occurs, with the average user losing 5 to 10 lbs during this stage [2].
After the body fully adjusts, weight loss continues at an average of 1 to 2 lbs per week. Metabolic functions also improve with long-term reductions in hunger. There are several factors that can affect how quickly the effects of tirzepatide work, including:
- Dose of medication
- Starting weight
- Metabolic conditions
- Implementation of lifestyle changes (diet and exercise)
- How well a person’s body tolerates dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors
- Presence of medical conditions
Is Tirzepatide Safe?
Tirzepatide has been studied in clinical trials as part of the SURPASS program at Johns Hopkins University for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. Its safety profile is similar to other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Mounjaro and Zepbound were both recently approved by the FDA in 2022 and 2023. Tirzepatide’s long-term side effects affect around 5% of patients and include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Hair loss
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain, indigestion
1 to 7% of people have an injection site reaction, such as itching or hives, but serious reactions are rare. As with other GLP-1 agonists, heart rate increase of up to 5.6 beats per minute has been observed, but this does not increase the risk of major cardiac problems such as a heart attack or stroke. Individuals with already sensitive gastrointestinal symptoms may discontinue use due to side effects, mainly nausea and vomiting [4].
Tips to Make the Most of Your Tirzepatide Treatment
The GLP-1 medication tirzepatide is most effective when users implement healthy lifestyle habits such as a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
Diet on Tirzepatide
According to diabetes dietitian, Daria Zajac, RD, LDN, “Everyone’s nutritional needs are unique, whether due to preferences, cultural traditions, or food sensitivities, there’s no universal tirzepatide-friendly meal plan.”
However, eating nutrient-dense foods and reducing calorie intake can increase the effectiveness of tirzepatide. Lean proteins and fiber are particularly important to minimize side effects, facilitate weight loss, and ensure nutrition needs are met.
Zajac recommends the “plate method”, a simple guide for eating nutritious food and involves filling:
- Half your plate with fruits/vegetables
- ¼ your plate with lean protein
- ¼ your plate with whole grains
Avoid highly processed or saturated foods, which can be harder to digest on GLP-1 medication, as it slows down the speed of gastric emptying.
Exercise on Tirzepatide
Exercise complements tirzepatide by increasing calorie burn, preserving muscle mass, and supporting insulin sensitivity. Try to get 100 to 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity such as jogging, running, cycling, or swimming.
Add in strength training 2 to 3 times a week, such as squats, weight lifting, push-ups, and planks. Exercises such as yoga, stretching, or dance can help reduce stress, boost motivation, and improve mental well-being alongside medication.
Where to Get Tirzepatide Treatment for Weight Management?
Harper Clinic is a state-of-the-art functional medicine clinic in Utah, treating physical and mental health challenges. Our weight loss management services and tirzepatide treatment help those with obesity and type 2 diabetes regulate blood sugar, manage weight, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Our clinically excellent team provides personalized treatment plans to meet you at wherever you are in your weight loss journey. Book a consult today.

Sources
[1] Adult Obesity Facts. 2024. CDC.
[2] Arrone, L. et al. 2024. Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction in Adults With Obesity. JAMA Network.
[3] Yao, H. et al. 2024. Comparative effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists on glycaemic control, body weight, and lipid profile for type 2 diabetes: systematic review and network meta-analysis. The BMJ.
[4] Thieu, V. et al. (2021). Efficacy and safety of a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-1): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet (London, England), 398(10295), 143–155.