Tirzepatide
Also known as: Mounjaro, Zepbound
Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist | Weight Loss & Diabetes
Overview
Revolutionary dual receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Demonstrates efficacy superior to single-mechanism alternatives with 15-22% body weight reduction in clinical trials. The first-in-class dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist provides enhanced metabolic benefits compared to GLP-1-only medications.
Key benefits
- Dramatic weight loss (15-22% body weight)
- Superior diabetes control
- Reduced cardiovascular risk (26% reduction in MACE)
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Appetite suppression
- Preserved muscle mass with exercise
Mechanism of action
Dual agonist targeting both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, producing glucose-dependent insulin stimulation, delayed gastric emptying, glucagon suppression, and central satiety signaling via hypothalamic pathways.
Molecular data
- Type
- Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist
- Half-life
- ~5 days (120 hours)
Sequence
His-Aib-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser-Ser-Tyr-Leu-Glu-Gly-Gln-Ala-Ala-Lys-Glu-Phe-Ile-Ala-Trp-Leu-Val-Arg-Gly-Arg-Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly-Pro-Ser-Lys-Lys-Lys-Lys-Lys-Lys
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Weight Loss
Diabetes
Cardiovascular
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Delivery method
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 2.5mg | Once weekly x 4 weeks | — |
| — | 5mg | Once weekly | — |
| — | 7.5-10mg | Once weekly | — |
| — | 12.5-15mg | Once weekly | — |
| — | 5-7.5mg | Once weekly | — |
| — | 10-15mg | Once weekly | — |
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Nausea (mild to moderate, first 2-4 weeks)
- Appetite reduction
- Possible fatigue during adaptation
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Reduced food cravings
Contraindications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- History of pancreatitis
Monitoring
- Start with lowest dose (2.5mg) and escalate every 4 weeks
- May require diabetes medication adjustment to prevent hypoglycemia
- Monitor for pancreatitis symptoms
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
Featured in these stacks
- Dual-Incretin + AmylinAn advanced fat-loss stack pairing tirzepatide with the amylin analogue cagrilintide — different mechanisms, additive appetite control.2 compounds
- GLP-1 Fat-Loss StarterA single-agent, titrate-slowly approach to appetite-led fat loss built around one GLP-1 — the lowest-complexity place to start.2 compounds