Learn more about Semiglutide and Tirzepatide. Todays most effective weight loss medications explained

Semiglutide

Semiglutide is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and an anti-obesity medication used for long-term weight management. It is a peptide similar to the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), modified with a side chain. It is administered by subcutaneous injection. It is sold under the brand names Ozempic for diabetes, and under the brand name Wegovy for weight loss. Semiglutide is a single agonist peptide.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetesand for weight loss. Tirzepatide is administered via subcutaneous injections (under the skin). It is sold under the brand names Mounjaro for diabetes treatment, and Zepbound for weight loss. Tirzepatide is a GIP receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist. Tirzepatide is a dual agonist peptide.

What is glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)?

GLP-1 is a hormone that your small intestine makes. It has several roles, including:

• Triggering insulin release from your pancreas: Insulin is an essential hormone that allows your body to use the food you eat for energy. It lowers the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. If you don’t have enough insulin, your blood sugar increases, leading to diabetes.
• Blocking glucagon secretion: Glucagon is a hormone your body uses to raise your blood sugar levels when necessary. So, GLP-1 prevents more glucose from going into your bloodstream.
• Slowing stomach emptying: Slower digestion means that your body releases less glucose (sugar) from the food you eat into your bloodstream.
• Increasing how full you feel after eating (satiety): GLP-1 affects areas of your brain that processes hunger and satiety.

What is Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP)?

• GIP is a hormone produced in your body after you eat, and it helps insulin enter your bloodstream so it can keep your blood sugar levels in check.

• GIP receptor agonists work with your GIP hormone to encourage the production of insulin in your body, as well as increasing sensitivity to insulin itself.

• As insulin is one of the hormones that control your appetite, increasing the amount in your system has a few benefits for certain patients.

• GIP also reduces the production of stomach acid, so your food will be broken down more slowly in your stomach.

• This essentially means that your stomach will be fuller for longer, and you’ll feel more satisfied after a meal.

What is the difference between GIP and GLP-1 agonists?

The simplest difference between GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists is that one affects your GIP hormones and the other effects GLP-1 hormones that affect your digestive system in different but complementary ways.

• GIP agonists help to increase your insulin sensitivity, while GLP-1 agonists increase your insulin secretion.

• Basically, you’ll be making more insulin and your body will be more receptive to it.

• Another difference is how these medications affect your stomach itself, as GIP receptor agonists reduce the secretion of stomach acid whereas GLP-1 receptor agonists slow down stomach emptying.

This means that your food will be digested more slowly with GIP agonists, and it will leave your stomach more slowly with GLP-1 agonists.

Do Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) help with weight loss?

GIP agonists can help with weight loss, especially when used alongside a GLP-1 agonist.

These two peptides complement each other well when used for weight loss. This is why medications like Tirzepatide work as both GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists — similar hormones, a similar method of action, and the potential for similar results in patients.