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ABOUT

Medical Weight Loss

How it works

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are both medications originally made to treat type 2 diabetes, but it has shown groundbreaking effects on weight loss. They are once weekly injections that belong to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), which work by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Here's how each of them works:

weight loss

Semaglutide works by activating the GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, specifically the beta cells. When these receptors are activated, several physiological responses occur:

  • Increased insulin secretion: Semaglutide stimulates the release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells. Insulin helps to lower blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

  • Decreased glucagon secretion: Semaglutide reduces the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that normally raises blood sugar levels by promoting the release of stored glucose from the liver.

  • Slowed gastric emptying: Semaglutide slows down the emptying of the stomach, which helps to reduce postprandial (after-meal) blood sugar spikes.

  • Increased satiety: Semaglutide also affects the brain to increase feelings of fullness and reduce appetite, which can lead to weight loss in some individuals.

Semaglutide

  • Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors.

    • GIP is another hormone involved in glucose regulation. Like GLP-1, GIP stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells in response to elevated blood sugar levels.

  • By activating both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, tirzepatide provides additional mechanisms to help control blood sugar levels:

    • Increased insulin secretion: Tirzepatide stimulates the release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells in response to elevated blood sugar levels.

    • Decreased glucagon secretion: Similar to semaglutide, tirzepatide reduces the secretion of glucagon, helping to lower blood sugar levels.

    • Slowed gastric emptying: Tirzepatide slows down the emptying of the stomach, which contributes to better blood sugar control after meals.

    • Increased satiety: Tirzepatide also promotes feelings of fullness and reduces appetite, which can lead to weight loss.

Tirzepatide

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