The structure of Tirzepatide extends its half-life to approximately 5 days by introducing -aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) to replace alanine at positions 2 and 13 to prevent DPP-4 degradation, and by covalently binding to a C20 eicosanedioic acid via a Glu-(AEEA-AEEA) linker at position 20 lysine residue, enabling once-weekly dosing
Decreases appetite and reduces cravings Promotes weight loss Lowers A1C levels (a marker of blood sugar control) Enhances insulin sensitivity 1 Improves cardiometabolic health measures 4 The medication is not insulin
Maintenance looks different for everyone, Thissen says, and might include switching to a different type of weight loss medication, like metformin, or a dietary supplement, like berberine
Compounded tirzepaitde may be used along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of: 30 kg/m^2 or greater (obesity) or 27 kg/m^2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease)
