Weight Loss (Semaglutide/Tirzepatide)

Why Is Weight Loss Difficult?

Weight loss is difficult because it involves overcoming biological tendencies that promote fat storage, psychological barriers related to emotional eating, societal pressures/environmental influences favoring unhealthy food choices and sedentary lifestyles, and many common medical conditions that affect metabolism. At Rejuva we address these elements to provide individualized treatment programs for patients who struggle to lose weight and maintain that weight loss over time.

Why Does our Body Resist Weight Loss?

The human body is biologically programmed to resist weight loss. This resistance is largely due to hormonal changes that occur when a person loses weight. For instance, as weight decreases, levels of the hormone leptin—which signals fullness—drop, while levels of ghrelin—which stimulates hunger—increase. This hormonal imbalance can lead to increased appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods, making it challenging to maintain a reduced calorie intake.

Additionally, with weight loss your resting metabolic rate decreases. This means that the body burns fewer calories at rest than it did before losing weight. Research indicates that for every pound lost, an individual may need to consume approximately 44 to 66 fewer calories per day to continue losing weight at the same rate. Consequently, maintaining a lower body weight requires more effort in terms of dietary restrictions and physical activity.

What medical conditions make losing weight difficult?

Various health conditions can complicate the process of losing weight. Thyroid Disorders, Adrenal Fatigue, Insulin Resistance, Menopause and Low Testosterone in men and women can lead to increased difficulty in managing body weight due to hormonal imbalances and the development of metabolic syndrome and it associated issues. Furthermore, various commonly prescribed medications may contribute to weight gain and hinder efforts at losing weight.
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What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Initially approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, it has gained attention for its effectiveness in promoting weight loss in individuals who are obese or overweight. The drug works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which is released in the gut after eating and plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and insulin secretion.

How does Semaglutide Help Weight Loss?

Semaglutide aids weight loss through several mechanisms:

1. Appetite Suppression: It targets specific areas in the brain that regulate hunger, leading to reduced appetite and increased feelings of fullness after meals.

2. Slowed Gastric Emptying: By slowing down how quickly food leaves the stomach, Semaglutide helps individuals feel fuller for longer periods.

3. Insulin Regulation: It promotes insulin production, which helps manage blood sugar levels effectively.

What Clinical Evidence Supports Semaglutide for Weight Loss?

A pivotal study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2021 showed that of 2,000 obese adults using Semaglutide over 68 weeks, those taking Semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight, with nearly one-third losing 20%. In contrast, participants who only made lifestyle changes without the medication lost only 2.4% of their body weight. Since then numerous studies have confirmed these findings, showing that Semaglutide can lead to substantial weight loss especially when combined with diet and exercise.

Will I regain weight after stopping Semaglutide?

At Rejuva we understand this is a major concern for our patients. Once Semaglutide treatment is stopped, the body’s natural hunger signals and digestive processes return to their baseline levels. This can lead to an increase in appetite and cravings, making it more challenging for you to maintain previous weight loss. The body also undergoes metabolic changes during weight loss, including a decrease in basal metabolic rate (BMR) and changes in hormone levels. To mitigate weight regain, it is crucial to maintain regular physical activity, follow a balanced diet rich in protein and fiber, and work with a Rejuva healthcare professional to support long-term weight management.

What are the side effects of Semaglutide?

The side effects associated with Semaglutide are generally mild compared to the health risks associated with obesity itself. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.

A Rejuva healthcare provider will help you determine if Semaglutide is appropriate based on your medical history.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide and Semaglutide are both medications used for managing type 2 diabetes and aiding in weight loss. However, Tirzepatide has a dual- action mechanism as it acts on both the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor. This dual action allows Tirzepatide to enhance insulin secretion more effectively and improve blood sugar control compared to Semaglutide, which only targets the GLP-1 receptor.

Does Tirzepatide Work Better than Semaglutide for Weight Loss?

Recent studies indicate that Tirzepatide may be more effective for weight loss than Semaglutide. In clinical trials, approximately 82% of participants taking Tirzepatide experienced a weight loss of 5% or greater, while only about 66.5% of those on Semaglutide achieved similar results. This significant difference in efficacy makes Tirzepatide potentially better suited for individuals with higher weight loss goals or those who have struggled with other treatments.

Does Tirzepatide have Fewer Side Effects than Semaglutide?

Both medications share similar side effects, primarily gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, constipation and diarrhea; however, the overall tolerability profile suggests that patients may experience these side effects less severely with Tirzepatide.

Why choose Tirzepatide instead of Semaglutide?

Tirzepatide may be superior to Semaglutide for weight loss primarily due toits dual-action mechanism leading to enhanced insulin secretion, greater efficacy in achieving significant weight loss, improved clinical outcomes regarding blood sugar control, and potentially better tolerability among users. However, for cost savings, we generally recommend starting with Semaglutide and switching to Tirzepatide later if side effects cannot be tolerated, or if weight loss stalls with Semaglutide and additional weight loss is desired.