Tirzepatide

FDA Approved

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists · Weight Management

Tirzepatide is a first-in-class dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a first-in-class dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It produces the most significant weight loss of any approved anti-obesity medication, with clinical trials showing up to 22.5% body weight reduction.

Also known as: GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist, twincretin

How Does Tirzepatide Work?

Activates both glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors simultaneously. This dual action enhances insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite through complementary central and peripheral mechanisms.

Molecular Formula: C225H348N48O68

Molecular Weight: 4813.45 Da

What is Tirzepatide Used For?

Type 2 diabetes
Chronic weight management
Obstructive sleep apnea

Potential Side Effects

Nausea
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Constipation
Dyspepsia
Abdominal pain

Contraindications

Personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
MEN2 syndrome
Pregnancy

FDA Legal Status

United States — FDA

FDA Approved

This peptide requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Related Peptides

Semaglutide

FDA Approved

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes management and chronic weight...

Retatrutide

In Clinical Trials

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Retatrutide is an investigational triple-action peptide that activates GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously...

Head-to-head comparisons:

Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tirzepatide more effective than semaglutide?

Head-to-head trials show tirzepatide produces greater weight loss than semaglutide. The SURMOUNT trials showed up to 22.5% weight loss with tirzepatide vs 15-17% with semaglutide. Both are highly effective.

What is the difference between Mounjaro and Zepbound?

Both contain tirzepatide. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound is approved specifically for chronic weight management. Same drug, different indications and insurance coverage.

How much weight can you lose on tirzepatide?

In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, participants on the highest dose (15mg) lost an average of 22.5% of body weight over 72 weeks. Individual results vary based on diet, exercise, and starting weight.

Quick Facts

Legal Status (USA): FDA Approved
Evidence Rating: AStrong Evidence (Multiple RCTs)
Class / Subclass: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists / Weight Management
Administration: subcutaneous
Typical Dosage: 2.5mg–15mg weekly
Half-Life: ~5 days
Brand Names: Mounjaro, Zepbound
Year Discovered: 2016
Approval Year: 2022
Bioavailability: 80% (subcutaneous)

Sources

PubMed 35658024 NCT04184622

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Sources & references

Primary sources used for the dosing, mechanism, side-effect, and regulatory claims on this page. Verify time-sensitive information (regulatory status, prescribing details) on the source before relying on it for medical decisions. See our disclaimer.

PubMed PMID 35658024 — peer-reviewed primary literature on Tirzepatide.
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04184622 — registered clinical trial; protocol, dosing, and outcome reporting per FDA / NIH standards.
FDA Drugs@FDA database — search for the current FDA-approved label, indications, and prescribing information for Tirzepatide.
FDA Federal Register — official notice record for FDA regulatory actions and Category 1 / 503A bulk-substance updates.