You may have heard of Ozempic. But have you heard of Tirzepatide?
Obesity is on a global rise, affecting over two billion people.
That’s 30 percent of the world population. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity in the United States in 2024 is estimated to be at 40%, or 130 million people.
As a doctor, I see this all the time.
Since obesity is a major factor in heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, it is not a stretch to talk about weight loss in terms of life-and-death. Weight management is imperative to improve heart health and overall health. And this medication Tirzepatide actually works! I’ve seen it!
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is FDA approved and can help with weight loss.

Tirzepatide is a medication which was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but clinical studies have shown it also has significant potential for weight loss, even in people who do not have diabetes.
Tirzepatide works by mimicking two hormones in your body, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide). Both hormones play roles in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and food intake. GLP-1 helps increase your insulin production in response to meals, reduces appetite, and slows down gastric emptying (which makes you feel fuller for longer).
GIP enhances your insulin release and also seems to contribute to weight loss, though its role in appetite regulation is less well understood than GLP-1.
The combination of these effects helps reduce hunger, improve glucose control, and increase fat loss, leading to significant weight loss for many people.

In clinical trials, people taking Tirzepatide combined with a healthy diet and exercise have experienced significant reductions in body weight.
In one study (SURMOUNT-1), participants with obesity or who were overweight (with or without type 2 diabetes) lost an average of around 15-22% of their body weight, depending on the dose they were prescribed.
Tirzepatide is typically given as a weekly injection, and weight loss results are usually seen in combination with lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and exercise.
It’s worth noting while Tirzepatide can be highly effective for weight loss, it should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as there can be side-effects (like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and potential risks related to long-term use).
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How is Tirzepatide different from Ozempic?
The major difference between the two medications is Ozempic only mimics the GLP-1 hormone while Tirzepatide mimics both the GLP-1 hormone and the GIP hormone.
This has shown to be highly effective for weight loss and it may even provide fewer side effects than semaglutide (commonly sold under the names Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy) for some patients. Also,
Tirzepatide has been approved for weight loss while Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy have not.
If you’re considering Tirzepatide for weight loss, it’s important to talk to your doctor to discuss whether it’s appropriate for you, especially considering any underlying health conditions or other medications you are taking.
While taking this medication, you will have to check your blood sugar often because it can cause low blood sugar.
As a physician working in the mental health and addiction fields, I am seeing more and more patients with mental illness and obesity comorbidities.

Research indicates a significant connection between obesity and mental health issues, with studies showing people with obesity are at a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders, while individuals struggling with mental health issues may also be more likely to develop obesity.
This relationship is often complex, with factors like social stigma, coping mechanisms, and biological pathways contributing to the link between the two conditions.
If you or someone you know struggles with mental illness and weight issues, I highly recommend you seek out an all-inclusive treatment approach like Sanctuary Clinic’s Health and Weight Loss Program that offers not only medical supervision, but also counseling, a licensed trainer, and help with side-effects.
Don’t let mental health issues and weight struggles define you or control your life any longer. Talk to us about a healthier and happier tomorrow.
Dr. Sesi Akoto is the Medical Director of Sanctuary Clinics, a world-class Christian mental health and substance use treatment program located in Monticello, Florida.
Get Help Today.
We are here to help you through every aspect of recovery.
Let us call you to learn more about our treatment options.
We are here to help you through every aspect of recovery. Let us call you to learn more about our treatment options.