Tirzepatide

What it is

• Brand names: Mounjaro (for diabetes), Zepbound (for weight loss).

• Class: Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist (it mimics two gut hormones that regulate blood sugar and appetite).

• Administration: Once-weekly subcutaneous injection.

How it works

• Blood sugar control: Increases insulin release when blood sugar is high, reduces glucose production by the liver.

• Weight loss: Slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite, and improves satiety.

Benefits

• Improves HbA1c (blood sugar levels) in people with type 2 diabetes.

• Shown to promote significant weight loss (on average 15–22% of body weight in clinical trials, depending on dose).

• May reduce risk factors related to cardiovascular disease.

Side effects

• Most common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite.

• Less common but serious: pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, severe GI problems.

• Not recommended for people with certain thyroid cancers or MEN2 syndrome.