Tirzepatide

 Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) 


Over the past few years, tirzepatide has emerged as one of the most promising treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Marketed under brand names such as Mounjaro and Zepbound, this dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist has not only demonstrated impressive clinical results but is also reshaping the future of weight management.

Here’s a look at the latest research, benefits, and safety considerations surrounding tirzepatide as of April 2025.

🧬 What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injectable medication that mimics the effects of two key gut hormones:

  • Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)

  • Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)

This dual action stimulates insulin production, slows gastric emptying, and suppresses appetite — resulting in significant weight loss and improved blood sugar control.

✅ Proven Benefits

1. Sustained, Significant Weight Loss

The SURMOUNT-1 trial, a pivotal Phase 3 study, showed that individuals taking the highest 15 mg dose of tirzepatide lost an average of 22.9% of their body weight over three years. Many participants lost up to 30%, with the majority maintaining at least a 20–25% reduction.

2. Diabetes Prevention

In adults with obesity and prediabetes, tirzepatide reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 94%. In long-term follow-up, just 1.2% of people on tirzepatide developed diabetes — compared to 12.6% in the placebo group.

3. Cardiometabolic and Kidney Health

Tirzepatide doesn’t just help with weight loss. It improves waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and insulin sensitivity. In patients with obesity-related heart failure (HFpEF), it reduced cardiovascular event risk by 38% and even improved kidney function.

4. More Effective Than Semaglutide

In head-to-head studies, tirzepatide outperformed semaglutide (Wegovy) for weight loss — achieving 15.3% body weight reduction in 12 months compared to 8.3% for semaglutide.

⚠️ Side Effects and Considerations

Like any medication, tirzepatide can have side effects. While many are manageable, it’s important to be aware of the risks:

  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation are common, particularly during dose escalation.

  • Bone Density Concerns: Without regular resistance or strength training, users risk losing bone mass — which can lead to osteopenia or even osteoporosis over time.

  • Injection-Site Reactions: Mild redness, swelling, or discomfort may occur.

  • Other Side Effects: Some users report dizziness, belching, hair thinning, and fatigue.

  • Acne Risk: Emerging research shows a 34% increased risk of acne, particularly in women — possibly due to hormonal changes from rapid weight loss.

  • Serious Events (Rare): Pancreatitis and gallbladder issues have been reported. In the UK, 82 deaths have been linked to tirzepatide, although direct causation is still under investigation.

🇬🇧 Availability in the UK

Tirzepatide is now approved for weight management in the UK through both NHS and private clinics. It’s prescribed under specific eligibility criteria, and regulators are currently tackling growing concerns over unregulated online sales and misleading social media promotions.

💬 My Perspective

I’ll be honest — my take on this may seem a little fitness-biased. Despite all the amazing data above, I still believe people should aim to lose weight through diet and exercise first.

That said, I do think tirzepatide can be a powerful tool — especially for those who are struggling to take the first steps toward a healthier lifestyle. But from what I’ve observed, many users don’t make any real changes to their eating habits or activity levels while on it. That’s what worries me.

The potential bone and muscle loss, combined with poor training habits, could cause more long-term harm than expected if people rely on the drug alone.

If you'd like to explore more about tirzepatide, here are some recommended sources and recent studies:

  1. Tirzepatide Slashes Risk of Type 2 Diabetes by 94%
    Eli Lilly Press Release – SURMOUNT-1

  2. Tirzepatide for Obesity – NEJM Original Study
    The New England Journal of Medicine – SURMOUNT-1 Trial

  3. Sustained Weight Loss & Diabetes Prevention Over 3 Years
    Biospace Coverage

  4. Diabetes Risk Cut by 90%+ with Tirzepatide
    News-Medical.net

  5. Cardiometabolic and Kidney Benefits in Heart Failure Patients
    AJMC Article
    ACC Press Release

  6. Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide for Weight Loss
    Pulse Today

  7. Unexpected Acne Risk in GLP-1 Drug Users
    Verywell Health

  8. Three-Year Weight Loss Durability with Mounjaro
    The Guardian

  9. Reported Deaths & Concerns in the UK
    The Sun








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