Standard weight-loss diets rarely work in the long run because they’re usually unsustainable and don’t address the root causes of weight gain. After all, you can only battle hunger pangs for so long before giving in to your cravings. That is where a variety of weight loss medications can help. 

Thanks to weight-loss medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, you can finally achieve and maintain your results. Weight loss drugs like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are appetite suppressants that can help you stick to your weight loss diet in the long run, ensuring consistent, sustainable results. This article explores your weight-loss medicine options so you can confidently take the first step toward your ideal weight.

What Is Weight-Loss Medication?

Weight-loss medications are pharmaceutical tools that aid in reducing weight and improving health outcomes. These medications typically work by suppressing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, or reducing fat absorption. Available in various forms like weight loss pills, weight loss injections, and lozenges, these drugs are often prescribed to individuals who struggle with weight-related health issues and have not found success with diet and exercise alone. They are most effective when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Types of Weight Loss Medications

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist primarily used for weight management. It mimics a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation, leading to reduced hunger and calorie intake. Initially developed for diabetes management, its effectiveness in weight loss has gained significant attention. Semaglutide is administered through injections and, more recently, in lozenge form by ShedRx, offering an alternative for those who prefer a needle-free option. Its use typically accompanies lifestyle changes for optimal results.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a newer class of weight-loss drugs that combines the actions of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists. This dual mechanism enhances its effectiveness in reducing appetite and controlling blood sugar levels, making it a potent tool for weight management. Typically administered through weekly injections, Tirzepatide has shown significant results in weight reduction, particularly for individuals with obesity or weight-related health issues. It’s often part of a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes dietary and lifestyle modifications.

The Semaglutide Boom

Semaglutide was initially developed as a medication for the treatment of type-2 diabetes. It can regulate blood sugar levels, which helps with diabetes management. Developed by Novo Nordisk, it received FDA approval in 2017 under the brand name Ozempic. However, individuals who underwent the treatment identified a curious side effect of the weight loss medicine: they were no longer hungry. Soon, its potential in weight management was realized.

Semaglutide’s popularity skyrocketed when clinical studies revealed its effectiveness in substantial weight loss. Individuals who took Semaglutide weight loss injections found that they no longer suffered from food cravings or the hunger pangs that often derailed their weight loss efforts. This led to its widespread acceptance among healthcare providers and those seeking weight loss solutions. Semaglutide is now one of the most popular weight loss medications on the market.

The Tirzepatide Revelation

Tirzepatide is a relatively new player in the weight loss medication arena, but it has quickly gained recognition for its unique dual-action mechanism. Developed by Eli Lilly and Company, Tirzepatide combines the effects of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists, enhancing its efficacy in weight loss and blood sugar control. Initially developed for diabetes treatment, its notable impact on weight loss has led to broader applications in obesity and weight management.

The emergence of Tirzepatide has been met with enthusiasm in the medical community and among those seeking effective weight loss solutions. The compound’s ability to significantly reduce body weight and improve metabolic health marks it as a game-changer in the field. Furthermore, Tirzepatide’s dual-pronged approach to weight management makes it even more effective than Semaglutide, making it suitable for those seeking significant weight loss.

Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide for Weight Loss

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are currently the two leading weight loss drugs. Both have shown promising results but differ in their mechanisms, applications, and results. We offer a comparative analysis of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, evaluating their effectiveness, modes of action, and suitability for different individuals seeking weight loss.

Mechanism of Action

Semaglutide promotes weight loss through its action as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1, a hormone produced in the gut, is key in regulating appetite and food intake. By mimicking GLP-1, Semaglutide enhances feelings of fullness and satiety, leading to reduced caloric intake. It also slows gastric emptying, prolonging the sensation of fullness after meals. Additionally, Semaglutide improves insulin sensitivity, which can aid in weight management.

Tirzepatide aids in weight loss by combining the effects of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists. This dual action suppresses appetite and boosts energy expenditure. The GLP-1 component decreases hunger and caloric intake, similar to Semaglutide, while the GIP aspect further enhances metabolic health and weight loss. Tirzepatide’s ability to control blood sugar levels is also crucial in its effectiveness, making it a potent option for those seeking weight loss.

The Results

Semaglutide shows weight loss results typically within a few weeks of starting treatment. Patients may experience varying degrees of weight reduction, depending on individual factors such as diet, exercise, and adherence to the medication regimen. In a clinical setting, patients typically experience a weight loss of about 5.9% after 3 months and around 10.9% after 6 months of treatment. Furthermore, patients lost about 12-15% of body weight over 68 weeks.

Tirzepatide users often see initial weight loss results within the first few weeks of treatment. The amount of weight loss can vary, but studies show that Tirzepatide can lead to an average weight loss of 20% of the initial weight over 68 weeks. Since Tirzepatide combines the actions of GLP-1 and GIP receptors, it curbs appetite and enhances metabolism. Consequently, Tirzepatide can lead to more substantial weight loss in the long run.

How to Self-Administer Weight Loss Injections:

• Gather the necessary items: an injection pen, needles, alcohol wipes, and a sharps container.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for cleanliness.
• Check the medication label and expiration date before each use.
• Cleanse the chosen injection site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) with an alcohol wipe.
• Attach a new needle to the injection pen following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Remove air bubbles from the pen by holding it upright and tapping gently.
• Set the correct dose on the injection pen.
• Pinch a fold of skin at the injection site.
• Insert the needle into the pinched skin at a 90-degree angle.
• Press the injection button to administer the medication.
• Count slowly to 10 to ensure the full dose is delivered.
• Withdraw the needle and safely dispose of it in a sharps container.
• Rotate injection sites with each dose to prevent skin irritation.

It’s important to strictly adhere to the prescribed dose schedule and not self-adjust the dose. Consult our ShedRx healthcare professionals regularly to adjust your plan as needed and follow the guidelines for the safety and effectiveness of the treatment​​​​.

Can You Also Get Weight Loss Pills or Lozenges?

Yes, in addition to injections, weight loss medications are available in pill and lozenge forms. ShedRx offers appetite suppressants like Semaglutide as lozenges, offering a needle-free alternative to patients who might be concerned about needle usage. Lozenges dissolve slowly in the mouth, providing the same benefits as Semaglutide weight loss injections. If you’re concerned about weight loss injections and would rather use weight loss pills or lozenges, please consult your ShedRx healthcare provider to explore your options.

Weight Loss Diet vs. Weight Loss Medication

A weight loss diet typically involves modifying food intake to create a caloric deficit, either by eating less, choosing lower-calorie foods, or both. Diets may emphasize whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables while limiting sugars and fats. The effectiveness of a diet often hinges on adherence and lifestyle changes. While weight loss diets can be effective in the short term, adhering to a calorie-deficit diet for extended periods is incredibly difficult, and most individuals eventually relapse.

Weight loss medications, on the other hand, offer a clinical approach to aid those who struggle with diet and exercise alone. These medications, such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, work by suppressing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, or reducing the absorption of fats. Weight loss drugs don’t work independently — they simply curb your appetite and boost metabolism, thus allowing you to get the most out of your weight loss diet.

To achieve and sustain your ideal weight, you can’t choose between weight loss diets or weight loss medications. You need both. Weight loss diets facilitate significant weight loss; weight loss drugs allow you to stick to your calorie-deficit diet for extended periods. The two work hand-in-hand to help you lose weight and keep it off.

The Next Step: Schedule Your Virtual Consultation

Embarking on your weight loss journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. The first step towards a healthier you is scheduling a virtual consultation with our ShedRx healthcare provider. This initial meeting is key to understanding your unique needs and goals. During the consultation, our healthcare professionals assess your health history, discuss your weight loss objectives, and explore suitable medication options, like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, alongside lifestyle changes.

Following the consultation, you’ll have a clearer roadmap for your weight loss journey, including guidance on diet, exercise, and the appropriate use of weight loss medications. This is a critical step in ensuring your weight loss journey is safe, effective, and sustainable.