Tirzepatide is growing in popularity not only for type 2 diabetes, but also for treating obesity. It’s an injectable drug that also goes by brand names Mounjaro or Zepbound. By activating pathways in the body that influence insulin and appetite, weekly tirzepatide injections aid in weight loss. This is done by slowing digestion and improving blood sugar. A key insight from a recent tirzepatide study indicates that weight loss is initially rapid but then returns once the medication is halted, much like Ozempic and Wegovy. This suggests that behavioral support should be part of the patient experience. Other studies caution that weight regain is far more damaging to the body than previously appreciated. Maintaining healthier habits is central to maintaining weight loss, elevating the importance of lifestyle support.
The reason why these medications are so important is because obesity promotes many complications. This is important since central obesity (where fat is stored prominently around the waist) can lead to further health complications. In addition to heart disease and type 2 diabetes, central obesity increases risks of cancer, high blood pressure, mental illness and dementia. With 20% of children and 42% of adults experiencing obesity, weight-lowering medications hold great promise for protecting health and slowing healthcare spending. The price tag on obesity-based complications is significant. For instance, current estimates for annual obesity-related costs and economic impact exceed $1.4 trillion in the US alone!
When fat is plentiful around the organs, inflammation increases in ways that accelerate organ aging.
Weight loss induced by tirzepatide improves many aspects of health by lowering inflammation and reducing the toll on the organs. Although nausea, diarrhea and vomiting occur as adverse effects in up to a quarter of individuals, the average responses to the drug are positive. Organs showed the following improvements due to tizepatides such as:
With weekly tirzepatide injections for a year, the average obese individual will lose 22 lbs (9.31 kg). The sobering reality is that most weight is regained rapidly, suggesting “a necessity for continuous prescription.” And unfortunately, many of the organ health benefits were also quickly reversed. Weight cycling tends to involve a worsening body composition. While fat and muscle are initially lost, primarily fat is regained, resulting in an even higher percent body fat in the end.
We all know regaining the weight is usually a bad experience, psychologically. But many do not realize that weight cycling causes a net loss of muscle, causing basal metabolic rates to decline. This means the patient must now consume an even lower calorie diet compared to before, because they no longer burn as many calories per day. And weight regain is more consequential than many realize; it causes exaggerated inflammation responses, worsening metabolic health. Weight fluxuations worsen one’s risk of high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, heart attacks and strokes, above and beyond those who maintain a consistent weight. 
Tirzepatide studies underscore that while medications are effective, they may be poor standalone solutions for those seeking long-term weight maintenance. Practicing healthy habits is crucial to avoid regaining the weight. This is based on evidence from studies that used exercise interventions as patients lost weight. In those cases, weight regain was not accompanied by worsened triglycerides or cholesterol, indicating that exercise may protect the body from rising disease risks if weight regain occurs. (Plus, the side effects of more physical activity as demonstrated in the study included a great improvement to their strength and fitness, along with significant fat reductions.
When it comes to weight loss, energy reductions are effective whether they occur through more exercise or lower calorie intake. A combination of healthier habits may be most effective, especially when tailored to a person’s interests and preferences. Tirzepatide can certainly initiate positive momentum, but sustained success hinges on incorporating new behaviors until they become ingrained habits, and this is where Treo excels. Treo’s Whole-person platform offers a customizable experience and access to accredited wellness coaches. Interested in learning more about how Treo can support healthy transformations? Email us at info@treowellness.com to find out more.
As Treo’s Global Wellness Researcher, Karlie uses recent research findings to support healthier daily habits. Karlie earned her doctorate in Neuroscience and Behavior and bachelors in Health and Exercise Science.
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