At Heim Regenerative Medicine Center, we prioritize comprehensive care that encompasses primary care, weight management, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for individuals seeking to optimize their overall health. Established and led by Dr. Michael Heim, a board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulation with a certification in Peptide Therapy, Heim Regenerative Medicine Center is committed to empowering every patient to take control of their health journey.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide, known by its brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, is a revolutionary weight loss injectable peptide medication that targets the body’s glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1). These peptides are FDA-approved for the management of type 2 diabetes, weight loss, and the reduction of cardiovascular disease.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
The peptides found in Semaglutide work to slow down how quickly the stomach empties after eating. By slowing this rate, Semaglutide effectively reduces hunger and cravings, causing you to feel fuller faster while simultaneously working to make weight loss and dieting easier to sustain.
What Is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide, known by its brand name Mounjaro, is a once-weekly injection that works by targeting two different receptors in the brain: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1). Similar to Semaglutide, Tirzepatide can help you reach your weight loss goals while working to lower blood sugar, insulin, and cholesterol levels, thereby improving your overall health.
How Does Tirzepatide Work?
Like Semaglutide, the peptides found in Tirzepatide influence appetite regulation and insulin production, reducing the amount of food eaten and improving blood sugar control. By enhancing the feeling of fullness after eating and slowing down the rate of digestion, this peptide injectable effectively assists patients seeking weight loss support.
What is the difference between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?
Reduced Appetite and Preventative Overeating: Semaglutide helps to reduce cravings and feelings of being hungry, while Tirzepatide helps to suppress the appetite by slowing the rate of digestion. By curbing your appetite, both peptide medications will assist in preventing overeating and allow you to maintain portion control.
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Possible Weight Loss with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
Clinical studies have shown that individuals taking Semaglutide can achieve significant weight loss, losing up to 15% to 20% of their body weight in just 68 weeks of treatment. (Statistics from UCLA based on an early study)
Recent studies indicate that people taking Tirzepatide can expect to lose between 15% and 22% of their body weight over 72 weeks of treatment. Most patients see noticeable results within 8 to 12 weeks after starting their initial treatment. (Statistics found in a 2022 study).
In combination with weight loss, muscle mass loss can concurrently occur when taking Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. Continuing to sustain muscle mass while taking peptide medications is crucial for maintaining body movement, joint mobility, and regulating the body’s metabolism and energy levels. Understanding the importance of muscle mass, Dr. Heim includes BMI measurements as part of any peptide treatment to monitor not only body fat reduction but also overall muscle mass levels, ensuring that all patients remain strong and healthy throughout their weight loss treatment.
Heim Regenerative Medicine Center also offers an InBody scale that provides measurements of body fat, muscle mass, body water, visceral fat, and segmental muscle and fat (how these components are distributed to the extremities and the trunk). We require regular body composition measurements to monitor muscle mass and ensure patients aren’t losing muscle mass as they lose weight. It is essential to measure this during regular follow-ups to ensure patients aren’t losing too much muscle with rapid weight loss. We will also provide guidance on diet and exercise to ensure safe and long-lasting results.
Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort such as diarrhea, constipation, or gas. These symptoms are most common but often subside as your body adjusts to treatment.
Some individuals may experience mild nausea during the initial period of treatment. Most patients report that nausea subsides over time as their body adjusts to the medication. Eating smaller, more frequent meals while avoiding certain foods can help minimize stomach issues.
While Semaglutide and Tirzepatide target different brain receptors, both peptide medications can temporarily suppress appetite, leading to a decrease in hunger levels.
Both medications may cause dizziness for some individuals. To minimize the risk of dizziness, avoid sudden movements and stay well hydrated.
Feeling tired or fatigued is another possible side effect of both peptide medications. If you experience fatigue, please consider adjusting your daily routine to include and prioritize periods of rest.
Redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site are common side effects of both peptide medications and can be reduced by practicing proper injection techniques, such as moving the injection site before each treatment
When considering which peptide injectable treatment to use, it is essential to consider various personal factors before starting treatment. Semaglutide, also known under the brand names of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, has demonstrated the ability to effectively reduce cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and heart-related conditions, while studies are still ongoing for the cardio effects of Tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
While heart health is a current benefit of Semaglutide, current studies show that Tirzepatide might be more effective as a weight loss medication due to its higher dosage than Semaglutide, with many patients experiencing milder side effects overall.
Individual preferences also play a crucial role in choosing between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. Currently, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide both come as peptide injectable treatments that are to be used once a week. The only oral peptide treatment available is through the Semaglutide brand Rybelsus, which requires a once-a-day treatment schedule. Although Semaglutide and Tirzepatide work similarly and produce similar side effects, it is essential to seek professional medical advice on which peptide treatment option best fits your overall goals and health conditions from the certified professionals of Heim Regenerative Medicine Center.
At Heim Regenerative Medicine Center, we recognize that every patient’s journey is unique. While medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide provide powerful tools for weight reduction, they are just one part of a larger approach. That’s why we also offer Medical Weight Loss Treatment in Tampa, designed to combine medical expertise with personalized nutrition and lifestyle support. Our Medical Weight Loss in Tampa program helps patients who may not be candidates for injections or who prefer a more comprehensive approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
If you struggle with obesity, weight-related health conditions, or just struggle with your weight and have been unable to achieve your desired weight loss results through diet and exercise alone, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide may be suitable treatment options for you. For more information or to schedule a consultation regarding peptide injectables in Tampa, please contact Heim Regenerative Medicine Center. Let us guide you on your journey to improved health and vitality.
Most patients need to continue treatment long-term to maintain results. Stopping the medication often leads to regaining lost weight unless lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are consistently maintained.
In some cases, doctors may combine these medications with lifestyle changes, nutritional counseling, or other therapies. However, combining them with additional prescription weight loss drugs is usually avoided unless specifically directed by a physician.
Yes, both medications are FDA-approved for weight management in individuals with obesity or weight-related conditions, even if they do not have diabetes.
If you miss a weekly dose, you should take it as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours). If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
These medications are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Women planning pregnancy are advised to stop treatment at least 2 months before trying to conceive, as the drugs may affect fetal development.
