If you’re looking to lose weight then medication like tirzepatide injections can help you to do so more effectively – and faster – than dieting and lifestyle changes alone.
In this guide we’ll tell you everything you need to know about tirzepatide injections, so keep reading.
Alternatively take our free online assessment to see if you’re eligible for our most effective weight loss medications like Mounjaro.
Lose up to 26% body weight
Free, fast and discreet delivery
12,255 reviews and counting
Written by
Medicspot Staff Author
Author
Reviewed by
Dr Adam Abbs
Doctor
Last Updated:
Next Review: Jul 31, 2027
It’s a new medication that’s shown a lot of promise in helping people lose weight. It’s marketed (and sold) under the brand name Mounjaro. It’s actually a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This means that it mimics two different hormones in our bodies, affecting our appetite, how we process food and how we manage glucose levels.
Yes, it is. Tirzepatide has been approved for use in the UK, but it’s still relatively new on the market. You need a prescription for it, and it’s typically prescribed for people who are either obese, with a BMI of 30 or higher, or overweight with a BMI of 27 or higher and have other weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure.
Tirzepatide works by mimicking the effects of GIP and GLP-1 hormones. These hormones help to regulate your appetite and insulin levels. When you take tirzepatide, it helps you feel fuller for longer after eating, which can reduce your overall calorie intake. It also slows down the emptying of your stomach and improves your body’s insulin sensitivity. This combination of effects can lead to significant weight loss over time.
It’s a bit more complex than that. Tirzepatide is actually a dual agonist, which means it activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Most other weight loss injections, like semaglutide, only target the GLP-1 receptor. By targeting both, tirzepatide can have a greater effect on weight loss.
Typically, you will start to notice some changes within a few weeks, but more significant weight loss usually becomes apparent over a few months. Clinical studies have shown that people taking tirzepatide can lose a substantial amount of weight over a period of about a year. Of course, individual results can vary, and it’s important to combine the medication with healthy lifestyle changes.
Yes, it is available in the UK. You’d need a prescription for it, though. It’s not something you can just buy over the counter.
Once you have a prescription, you can get tirzepatide from most pharmacies. Your doctor can guide you where to go to get the medication. Sometimes, they might even have it at the clinic or hospital pharmacy if you’re getting it through specialised or private clinics.
The cost can vary, but it’s often a few hundred pounds per month. It’s best to check with your pharmacy or healthcare provider for the exact pricing.
As of now, it’s not available on the NHS for weight loss specifically. The NHS has strict guidelines about which medications they will fund, especially newer treatments. However, it might be available for other conditions like type 2 diabetes, which tirzepatide can also help manage. If weight loss injections become more commonly prescribed and the benefits continue to be proven, we might see it on the NHS in the future.
Both tirzepatide and semaglutide are medications used for weight loss and managing type 2 diabetes. The main difference is in how they work. Semaglutide is only a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics the GLP-1 hormone that regulates appetite and insulin levels. Tirzepatide, on the other hand, is a dual agonist. It targets both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This dual action can make tirzepatide more effective in terms of weight loss and blood sugar control.
It really depends on the individual. Clinical studies suggest that tirzepatide may lead to greater weight loss compared to semaglutide. However, both medications are effective, and some people might respond better to one over the other. It’s about finding the right fit for your body, lifestyle and health needs, which is something to discuss with your doctor.
On average, people taking tirzepatide lose a significant amount of weight. In clinical trials, some participants lost up to 20% of their body weight over about a year, and up to 26% over 82 weeks. Of course, individual results can vary, and combining the medication with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise enhances the results.
Yes, you can switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide, if it is suitable for you, but it should be done under the guidance of your healthcare professional. They’ll monitor your response to the new medication and adjust the dosage as needed to ensure it’s effective and safe for you.
No, because they both affect the GLP-1 receptors. Combining them increases the risk of side effects without providing additional benefits. Take just one medication at a time and work closely with your doctor to find the most effective treatment for you.
Yes, you should keep tirzepatide in the fridge. It’s important to store it at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C. Just make sure it doesn’t freeze, because that can affect the medication. If you’re traveling and need to take it with you, it can be kept at room temperature for a short period.
Tirzepatide is administered as an injection. It comes in a pre-filled pen that you use to inject the medication just under your skin, once a week. The pen makes it quite convenient and straightforward. Your supplier will show you how to use it properly the first time, and there are online help guides and videos. Importantly, make sure you use a new needle every time.
The most common places to inject tirzepatide are your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Patients often rotate the injection site each week to avoid irritating the skin. So, one week you might use your abdomen, the next week your thigh, and so on. Your provider will give you specific instructions on how to inject tirzepatide safely and effectively. It might sound a bit daunting at first, but most people get the hang of it quickly. If you ever feel unsure, reach out to your healthcare team for support. Once you see the results and how it can help with weight loss, it usually feels worth it.
Like any medication, tirzepatide can have side effects. The most common ones are gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Some people also experience decreased appetite, constipation, and stomach pain. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to improve as your body gets used to the medication. It’s always important to talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects, especially if they’re severe or don’t go away.
Tirzepatide is considered safe for most people when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. However, like all medications, there may be side effects. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and headaches. More serious side effects are rare but can include gastroparesis (where food doesn’t pass through the stomach properly), intestinal blockage (where the tubes of your digestive tract get blocked, which can lead to damage to the bowel wall) pancreatitis (severe inflammation of the pancreas) or gallbladder disease. Individual risk of side effects are considered as part of our clinical assessment.
Hair loss isn’t a commonly reported side effect of tirzepatide. Most of the side effects are related to the digestive system. If you experience hair loss, it might be due to another reason, so discuss it with your doctor to determine the cause.
There’s no concrete evidence that tirzepatide causes cancer. Some studies have looked at GLP-1 receptor agonists, like those used in similar medications, and their potential link to certain types of cancer, but the data isn’t conclusive. It’s important to remember that tirzepatide is closely monitored for safety, and any potential risks are weighed against the benefits.
This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.
There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See Terms of Service for more information.
