Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medication that was originally formulated to help patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treat their condition. These medications help to reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, inhibit the hormones that stimulate hunger, and silence the “food noise” that patients experience. These effects have led tirzepatide and other GLP-1 agonist medications like semaglutide to explode in popularity as weight loss medications, and they have shown to be tremendously successful at helping patients lose weight.

At Rejenesis Health & Wellness, we understand that weight loss is a complicated journey and that dieting and exercise might not always provide the results you want to see. Dr. Kevin Chan and our exceptional staff seek to help every patient achieve the results they desire, no matter what procedure or treatment is being performed.

If you have attempted other weight loss methods and seen little or no success, or if you simply need some extra assistance, we can help you achieve your goals with a tirzepatide regimen. Schedule a consultation with one of our providers today to explore your options, or call one of our Phoenix-area offices for more information.

About Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide and other GLP-1 agonist medications are primarily type 2 diabetes medications, but their effects have led to their widespread adoption for weight loss. Tirzepatide is sold under the brand names Zepbound and Mounjaro, with the latter being the specific formulation for weight loss patients. Tirzepatide works primarily by mimicking the body’s natural secretion of enzymes and hormones that create feelings of fullness and satisfaction while eating. ⁽¹⁾ This artificial amplification of these hormones and enzymes helps patients to feel fuller faster and thus consume significantly less food. Tirzepatide also hinders the release of the compounds responsible for digestion speed, gastric emptying, and hunger. As obesity continues to rise in the United States and worldwide, losing weight is a concern for many individuals. Obesity is a major factor in premature death and health complications and staying in shape can help ensure a long, healthy, happy life.

Benefits

Losing weight is one of the most effective ways to improve your health and increase your confidence. Patients who receive tirzepatide prescriptions regularly experience benefits like:

Candidates

If you are seeking tirzepatide to enhance your weight loss journey, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Rejenesis Health & Wellness to discuss your candidacy. Ideal candidates are those who have attempted to lose weight through dieting, exercise, and lifestyle changes but have not achieved successful results. Additionally, patients who qualify for a tirzepatide regimen should be willing to adapt their lifestyle while on the medication. While a reduced appetite will help you lose weight, you will see much more effective results if you continue to incorporate healthy eating and exercise habits at this time. Maintaining these habits will also help you live a longer, healthier life and help to keep weight off if/when you stop taking the medication.

Personal Consultation

At your consultation, you will discuss the history of your weight loss journey. We will record your height, weight, and current BMI (body mass index) and discuss your weight loss goals. We want to help you lose weight safely and achieve a healthy, stable goal weight. While tirzepatide can be an incredibly effective weight-loss method, we do not want you to drastically shift from overweight to underweight as this can cause health complications. Additionally, most patients will have blood samples taken. This is done to measure the current levels of lipids, carbohydrates, and digestive hormones in your blood. All of this information will help our providers create a treatment plan that best helps you achieve your goals.

How Does Tirzepatide Work?

Recent bariatric research has focused on the effects of hormones and enzymes on weight gain and loss. The two main hormones that are the subject of this research are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptides (GIP). ⁽²⁾ These are the main hormones that control hunger, satisfaction, blood sugar levels, and insulin release and are therefore the main agents in controlling weight levels. While other peptide receptor agonist medications only target one of these hormones, tirzepatide sets itself apart from the rest by affecting both GLP-1s and GIPs. ⁽²⁾

Tirzepatide is a synthetic peptide that is composed of 39 different amino acids. It mimics the hormones the body naturally produces and elevates their levels to offer patients increased control over their appetite.

By targeting both GLP-1 and GIP hormones, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) is decreased significantly. ⁽¹⁾ This helps place patients in a physical and mental state of fullness and satisfaction for longer. Current bariatric research has focused on the psychological aspect of weight loss as well. Many patients who are prone to weight gain and who struggle with their weight regularly may have a defect in the collaboration between digestive hormones, mental cravings, and more. As their natural digestive hormones are unable to work properly, the brain cannot efficiently regulate their cravings and diet. This also helps to silence “food noise,” the persistent and ever-present mental fixation on food and eating that many obese patients struggle with. ⁽³⁾

Taking Tirzepatide

Once you have received your prescription for tirzepatide, you will be required to take one dose each week. At the end of your initial consultation, we will teach you how to administer the injections. Administering tirzepatide injections is not difficult and most patients report that it is less painful than a flu shot. If you have a phobia of needles or are not comfortable with administering your injections yourself, we are more than happy to do it for you, provided that you are okay with coming to an office location weekly to receive your dose.

Your first few doses will be less potent, but the dosage and strength will increase as weeks pass. If you hit a plateau in your weight loss, then your dosage will also be increased. Once you achieve a healthy goal weight, you will be put on a weekly maintenance dosage to continue receiving the effects of the medication without reducing your weight further.

Adjusting to Tirzepatide

As your tirzepatide doses take effect, one of the first things you will notice is a significantly reduced appetite. This will be a new feeling and may take some time to adjust to. It is important to eat healthy, nutritious meals or snacks that are dense in protein. Initially, some nausea, indigestion, and gastrointestinal issues may occur, but these can be easily mitigated with over-the-counter digestive aids.

Results

You will begin to see a rapid reduction in your weight in as little as a few weeks. Most patients see a 20% reduction in their weight within the first two months, and this can be further enhanced by incorporating dieting and exercise into your lifestyle. ⁽⁴⁾ As your weight loss continues, you will also feel your confidence increase, your clothes will feel looser, and you will be more happy with your body.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

A very common effect that obesity has on the body is causing skin to lose elasticity. Extra fat in the body causes the skin to stretch, and in some cases, it is stretched to such a degree that it cannot snap back to its original, tight fit around the body once the weight is lost. This is becoming increasingly common with patients who take tirzepatide or semaglutide and the condition has been dubbed “Ozempic face” and “Ozempic body.” Fortunately, Dr. Chan and the team at Rejenesis Health & Wellness offer a handful of highly-effective body contouring procedures that can correct these issues and help you enjoy your new image.

Cost of Tirzepatide in Ahwatukee

The cost of your tirzepatide regimen will depend on your weight loss goals.

If you have any questions about pricing and payment, please discuss these with your provider at your consultation. We are also happy to help you navigate your eligibility and answer other payment and pricing questions if you call one of our Phoenix-area offices.

FAQ

References

1. Farzam K, Patel P. Tirzepatide. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585056/
2. Lin F, Yu B, Ling B, et al. Weight loss efficiency and safety of tirzepatide: A Systematic review. PloS One. 2023;18(5):e0285197. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285197
3. Arillotta D, Floresta G, Papanti Pelletier GD, et al. Exploring the Potential Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Substance Use, Compulsive Behavior, and Libido: Insights from Social Media Using a Mixed-Methods Approach. Brain Sciences. 2024;14(6):617. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14060617
4. Chavda VP, Ajabiya J, Teli D, Bojarska J, Apostolopoulos V. Tirzepatide, a New Era of Dual-Targeted Treatment for Diabetes and Obesity: a Mini-Review. Molecules. 2022;27(13):4315. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27134315