Weight Loss Information | efficient health

Tirzepatide (Zepbound & Mounjaro)

Tirzepatide a dual-action medication that activates two key hormone receptors—GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). These hormones help regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and reduce appetite. By mimicking both, Tirzepatide improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar levels, and helps patients feel full longer, leading to reduced calorie intake and sustained weight loss

Possible Side Effects of Tirzepatide
Like all medications, Tirzepatide may cause side effects. The most common include:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Stomach pain
Decreased appetite
Fatigue

These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve over time as your body adjusts
to the medication.

What Results Can You Expect with Tirzepatide?
Many patients using Tirzepatide experience significant weight loss—often 15% or more of their body weight over several months. Along with weight loss, people may also see better blood sugar control, lower A1C levels, and improved overall energy. Results vary by individual, and the best outcomes happen when Tirzepatide is combined with healthy eating and regular physical activity.

Less common but serious side effects may include:

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), Gallbladder issues, Kidney problems, Severe allergic reactions

Source of information
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). FDA Approves New Treatment for Type 2
Diabetes: Mounjaro (tirzepatide). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov

Additional source:
Jastreboff, A. M., et al. (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity.
New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205–216.
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

Semaglutide (Ozempic/ Wegovy)

How Semaglutide Works
Semaglutide helps with weight loss and blood sugar control by mimicking a natural
hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1).

This hormone:

Slows down digestion so you feel full longer
Reduces appetite and food cravings
Helps the pancreas release insulin when needed
Lowers blood sugar levels after meals

By acting on the brain and digestive system, Semaglutide helps you eat less and lose
weight more effectively over time.

What Results Can You Expect with Semaglutide?
Most patients lose between 10% to 15% of their body weight over several months when
using Semaglutide, especially when combined with healthy eating and regular exercise.
Many also see improved:

Blood sugar control (lower A1C levels)
Blood pressure
Cholesterol levels
Energy and overall well-being

Results may vary depending on your starting weight, lifestyle, and medical history.
Some people begin noticing changes within the first 4 to 8 weeks.

Possible Side Effects of Semaglutide
Semaglutide is generally well tolerated, but like all medications, it may cause side
effects. The most common include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Stomach pain
Bloating or gas
Fatigue
Loss of appetite

These side effects are usually mild and improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

Less common but serious side effects may include:

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Gallbladder problems
Kidney issues from dehydration
Increased heart rate
Possible risk of thyroid tumors (avoid if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome)

When to Avoid Semaglutide
Semaglutide may not be safe or appropriate for everyone. You should avoid using Semaglutide if
you:

Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2)
Are allergic to Semaglutide or any of its ingredients
Have a history of pancreatitis
Are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
Have severe digestive disorders, like gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying)

Liraglutide (Saxenda® / Victoza®)

Liraglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like
peptide-1). This hormone helps control blood sugar and appetite. Liraglutide:

Slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach, so you feel full longer
Reduces hunger and cravings
Helps your body release insulin when needed
Lowers blood sugar levels after meals

By helping you eat less and manage blood sugar, Liraglutide supports gradual, healthy weight
loss.

Possible Side Effects of Liraglutide
Most people tolerate Liraglutide well, but some may experience side effects, especially when
starting treatment. Common side effects include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Stomach pain or bloating
Headache
Tiredness
Loss of appetite

These are usually mild and improve over time.

Serious but less common side effects may include:

Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain that may spread to the back)
Gallbladder problems (like gallstones)
Kidney problems due to dehydration
Increased heart rate
Possible thyroid tumors (do not use if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome)

What Results Can You Expect with Liraglutide?

With consistent use, Liraglutide can help patients lose 5% to 10% of their body weight over several months. Most people also notice:

Reduced appetite and fewer food cravings
Improved portion control
Better blood sugar levels (especially for those with type 2 diabetes)
Lower risk of heart-related complications
Weight loss results improve when combined with healthy eating and regular physical activity.
Some patients begin seeing results within the first 4 to 8 weeks.

When to Avoid Liraglutide

Liraglutide may not be safe for everyone. You should avoid this medication if you:

Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
Are allergic to Liraglutide or any of its ingredients
Have a history of pancreatitis
Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
Have severe stomach or intestinal problems, such as gastroparesis