Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors and is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It is a prescription drug.
What it is
A once-weekly peptide that mimics two gut hormones at once, lowering appetite and improving blood sugar control.
What the evidence shows
In people
Very strong. The SURPASS (diabetes) and SURMOUNT (obesity) trial programs showed large reductions in blood sugar and body weight.
In animals and labs
Supporting mechanism work in animals; human trial data are the main evidence.
Legal status
Approved as Mounjaro (type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (chronic weight management and obstructive sleep apnea with obesity). Unapproved and "research" versions are not these products.
Dosing
Dosing is set by the label and your prescriber
Doses for approved products come from the FDA-approved label and are adjusted by a prescriber for each person. BOTH does not restate dosing. Read the official label below and ask your prescriber or pharmacist how to measure and take your dose.
- Mounjaro · Type 2 diabetesOfficial label on DailyMed ↗
- Zepbound · Chronic weight managementOfficial label on DailyMed ↗
Known risks
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite
- Pancreatitis and gallbladder problems
- Boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodents
- Can reduce the effectiveness of oral birth control early in treatment
- Dosing errors with unapproved vials