Most people believe that by controlling your diet and getting more exercise, it’s possible to lose weight. This is definitely true for most people, but talking about “diet and exercise” so simply and generically is a bit misleading.
The truth is weight loss, nutrition, and health are very complicated subjects – and sometimes, the best way to lose weight is to consider using medications like tirzepatide.
What exactly is tirzepatide? How does it work? And is it right for you?
The Basics of Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
Tirzepatide, marketed as Zepbound, is a type of weight loss medication currently available – and it’s FDA approved.
According to Dr. Michael Snyder at FuturHealth, the primary mechanism of action for this medication is stimulating the production and circulation of two important hormones: GLP-1 and GIP. As a result of these circulating hormones, your body will release more insulin, stabilizing your blood sugar levels.
At the same time, your appetite will be slightly suppressed, and you’ll be more likely to feel satiated after eating a meal.
The combination of these effects and others allows you to eat less, feel fuller, and be less susceptible to gaining weight. Additionally, you may find it easier to lose weight, as you’ll be eating less and benefiting from more stabilized body chemistry.
The drug works relatively quickly, though it takes some time to work its way through your body. For most people, the drug is fully absorbed after 24 hours, meaning the effects start to work the day after your first dose.
Keep in mind that you may not see immediate weight loss results. Tirzepatide is designed to be a healthy, sustainable weight loss tool, so you’re not going to see an immediate plummet in your weight.
Instead, you’ll likely start seeing weight loss results after several days to a few weeks, and you’ll inch closer to achieving your ultimate weight loss goals after several months of continued effort.
The side effects of this medication are relatively mild and somewhat uncommon. When taken as directed, it’s considered safe for the majority of the population.
The Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle
Even if you plan on using Tirzepatide as your primary weight loss tool, it’s important to pursue a healthy lifestyle overall. That means paying attention to the following, at minimum.
- Nutritional intake. Pay close attention to your nutritional intake. It’s a good idea to keep your portion sizes relatively small, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and complex carbohydrates. It’s also a good idea to avoid junk foods and foods high in processed sugar. Similarly, you should avoid problematic substances like alcohol and tobacco.
- Exercise. Physical exercise is one of the best ways to lose weight, since it boosts your metabolism, burns calories, and aids in the development of muscle mass. Try to get at least some physical exercise every day, and work out intensely to maximize caloric burn.
- Sleep. It’s also important to get enough sleep every night. The average adult should be getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep on a nightly basis. This can be hard to achieve, especially if you have a busy schedule, but it’s well worth prioritizing in pursuit of weight loss and improved health.
- Stress. Stress can make you gain weight – and make weight harder to lose. If you have excessive stress, the effects of Tirzepatide and similar medications may be somewhat limited. It’s a good idea to avoid the most major sources of stress in your life – and find healthy outlets for whatever stress remains in your life.
There are many reasons for this, including:
- Maximizing your results. You’re going to see much better results if you follow these healthy lifestyle behaviors in addition to taking Tirzepatide. If you want to lose weight quicker and lose weight more sustainably, this is essential to your success.
- Avoiding other health complications. Eating healthier and exercising more isn’t just about losing weight. It’s also about promoting greater bodily health overall. Practicing healthier habits can help you avoid many other health complications.
- Mitigating the possibility of regaining weight. Many people who discontinue taking medications like Tirzepatide eventually regain at least some of the weight they lost. This phenomenon is so widely acknowledged that it has an official term: Ozempic rebound. If you get used to following healthy habits, you’ll be much less likely to regain weight when you stop taking the medication.
Tirzepatide can be a good way to lose weight, especially if you’re already monitoring your nutritional intake and are exercising regularly. Just make sure you do your due diligence, talk to your doctor, and use this drug as directed.