Peptibase
Weight Loss

Tirzepatide

Also known as: Mounjaro, Zepbound, LY3298176

FDA Approved
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Key Facts: Tirzepatide

Category
Weight Loss
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Clinical Status
FDA Approved - Type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management
Administration
Subcutaneous injection weekly
Typical Dose
5-15 mg weekly (after titration)
Frequency
Once weekly
Evidence Level
FDA Approved
Duration
Long-term / chronic use
Also Known As
Mounjaro, Zepbound, LY3298176

What to Expect

A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist representing the next generation of incretin-based therapies. Shows superior weight loss compared to semaglutide in head-to-head trials.

Mechanism of Action

Tirzepatide activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, providing synergistic effects on appetite suppression, insulin secretion, and metabolic regulation. The dual mechanism enhances glucose-dependent insulin release while reducing glucagon and slowing gastric emptying.

Research Summary

SURMOUNT trials showed average weight loss of 20-26% body weight. SURPASS-2 showed superior A1C reduction compared to semaglutide. Demonstrates significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors including blood pressure and lipids.

Clinical Status:FDA Approved - Type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management
Trial Progress:FDA Approved
Pre
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IV
FDA

FDA Approval Studies

This peptide is FDA approved. Below are the key clinical trials that supported its approval.

SURMOUNT Program (Tirzepatide for weight management)

Eli Lilly • Phase 3

Approved 2023
Participants:

5,000+ participants across SURMOUNT 1-4 trials

Duration:

72 weeks

Primary Endpoint:

Percent change in body weight from baseline

Key Results:
  • ✓SURMOUNT-1: Up to 22.5% weight loss with 15mg dose
  • ✓SURMOUNT-2 (with diabetes): Up to 15.7% weight loss
  • ✓91% of participants achieved 5%+ weight loss
  • ✓57% achieved 20%+ weight loss with highest dose
View Study

SURPASS Program (Tirzepatide for Type 2 Diabetes)

Eli Lilly • Phase 3

Approved 2022
Participants:

7,000+ participants across SURPASS 1-5 trials

Duration:

40-52 weeks

Primary Endpoint:

HbA1c reduction from baseline

Key Results:
  • ✓Superior HbA1c reduction vs semaglutide (SURPASS-2)
  • ✓Up to 2.46% HbA1c reduction from baseline
  • ✓More patients reached HbA1c <7% vs comparators
  • ✓Significant weight loss benefit alongside glycemic control
View Study

Dosing Information

FDA Approved·Human clinical trials completed, FDA approved

Typical Dosingⓘ

Community experience

Common Dose

5-15 mg weekly (after titration)

Range

2.5-15 mg weekly

Frequency

Once weekly

Titrate up every 4 weeks. Start at 2.5 mg. Many find 10 mg effective for weight loss. GI side effects common during titration.

Research Dosingⓘ

Scientific studies

Prescribed doses per FDA labeling

Duration

Long-term / chronic use

Administration

Subcutaneous injection weekly

Timing & Administration

Best Time to Take

Morning, same day each week

Once weekly, same day and time

Food Recommendation

With or without food

Why This Timing?

Weekly injection timing should be consistent. Morning dosing helps establish routine and monitor tolerance.

Possible Side Effects

Not everyone experiences these effects. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal factors.

  • ●Nausea
  • ●Diarrhea
  • ●Vomiting
  • ●Constipation
  • ●Decreased appetite
  • ●Abdominal pain
  • ●Injection site reactions
  • ●Hypoglycemia (with insulin/sulfonylureas)
  • ●Pancreatitis
  • ●Gallbladder problems
  • ●Acute kidney injury
  • ●BOXED WARNING: Thyroid C-cell tumors - contraindicated with MTC/MEN 2

References

Related Peptides

Peptides commonly compared with Tirzepatide or used in similar applications.

Semaglutide

FDA

A GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. One of the most effective pharmaceutical weight loss interventions available.

Weight Loss

Retatrutide

Clinical Trials

A triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. Represents the next evolution beyond dual agonists like tirzepatide, showing unprecedented weight loss in trials.

Weight Loss

Liraglutide

FDA

An FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. The predecessor to semaglutide with daily dosing.

Weight Loss

Dulaglutide

FDA

An FDA-approved weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes. Fused to an Fc antibody fragment for extended duration of action.

Weight Loss

Exenatide

FDA

The first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for diabetes. Derived from Gila monster saliva. Available in twice-daily and weekly formulations.

Weight Loss

Orforglipron

Clinical Trials

An oral non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist. Could provide injection-free alternative to semaglutide and tirzepatide.

Weight Loss
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Educational Information Only

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers before making any decisions about peptides or other substances. The protocols listed reflect doses observed in research studies, not recommendations.

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