Tirzepatide in Singapore

Key Takeaways:

• Tirzepatide has a unique ability to mimic the actions of two different types of hormones: GLP-1s and GIPs.

• Semaglutide medications activate the GLP-1 receptor, while Tirzepatide medications activates two receptors: GLP-1 and GIP.

• It is important to note that these are regulated prescription weight loss medications and have significant side effects if used incorrectly.

• Therefore, you must consult with a qualified specialist who can determine if these weight loss medications are right for you. 

• A holistic approach involving lifestyle and diet changes is necessary for long-term weight loss.

Certain glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (or GLP-1 receptor agonists, or simply GLP-1 RAs) have been gaining attention for their ability to control blood sugar and aid in weight loss. GLP-1 RAs can help to achieve good blood sugar control in people with diabetes – and these medications can also lead to weight loss.

Read more about GLP-1 RAs such as liragultide and semaglutide.

Are Tirzapetide and Semaglutide medications the same?

The drugs work in similar ways to reduce appetite, but there are some differences in how they work. 

Consult with your doctor to determine the best medications for your specific needs. Some GLP-1 RAs are approved for weight loss, while others are indicated for managing type 2 diabetes.

Benefits of taking tirzepatide

Blood sugar control

Diabetes is a condition in which a person's blood sugar levels are higher than usual. Keeping blood sugar under control is crucial for reducing the risk of the long-term complications of diabetes, such as vision loss, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Diabetes is usually diagnosed when a person has a fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher, or a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 6.5% or higher.

GLP-1 RAs and dual GIP/GLP-1 RAs have been shown to control blood sugar effectively, making them a viable option for many diabetes patients. 

Weight loss

These medications have also been shown to result in weight loss, which may in turn help to reduce the risk of diabetes complications. 

In order to be considered to be a candidate for receiving a GLP-1 RA or dual GIP/GLP-1 RAs for weight loss, a person must have a body mass index (BMI) indicating obesity. This means that body weight is high enough to cause a significant risk of health complications. Alternatively, they may have a slightly lower body weight, but are already experiencing complications due to their body weight (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol).

Based on the available scientific research, the World Health Organization recommends slightly different cutoffs in body weight targets for Asian and non-Asian populations. To be a candidate for receiving a GLP-1 RA for weight loss, a person needs to meet one of the following criteria:

• For non-Asians, a BMI of 30 or greater (indicating obesity), or a BMI of 27 or greater along with health complications of being overweight.

• For Asians, a BMI of 27.5 or greater (indicating obesity), or a BMI of 23 or greater along with health complications of being overweight.

How does tirzepatide work for blood sugar control?

Tirzepatide is a natural compound found in the body that helps perform several important bodily functions. It mimics GLP-1s. In addition, it mimics the effect of another class of hormones called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Tirzepatide’s ability to mimic two different types of hormones is unique.

GLP-1RAs mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). GLP-1s help regulate digestion and appetite. GLP-1RAs:

• Slow down emptying of the stomach after a meal, helping you to feel full for longer.

• Reduce cravings and emotional eating.

• Helps the pancreas release more insulin when needed. Insulin helps the body turn carbohydrates from food into energy by moving glucose from the blood into the cells, where it is used as fuel to keep the body functioning.

• Prevents the liver from releasing too much sugar into the blood.

Meanwhile, GIP hormones:

• Stimulate insulin secretion 

• Improve insulin sensitivity 

• Aids GLP-1 hormones in their digestive and metabolic action by helping enhance its action of regulating appetite

Tirzepatide, therefore, is a completely new drug class. Instead of being a single-receptor agonist, which semaglutide is, tirzepatide activates two receptors at the same time – GLP-1 and GIP.

Consult with your doctor to determine the best medications for your specific needs.

A new study by an international group of researchers, in collaboration with scientists from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, tried to examine how tirzepatide produces its effects on blood sugar and weight. The researchers found that tirzepatide triggers a strong GIP response instead of merely activating GLP-1 receptors in the body. This means that targeting both would lead to an additive effect — this means that there are two mechanisms that work together to enhance blood sugar control and weight loss more effectively than targeting GLP-1 RAs alone.

Clinical trials that have evaluated tirzepatide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes have demonstrated improvement in HbA1c, and fasting plasma glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes when used alone or in addition to metformin, SGLT2i and/or basal insulin.

In addition, study showed that in a 72-week trial, tirzepatide (10 mg and 15 mg) achieved up to 15.7% weight loss in adults with obesity, or overweight and type 2 diabetes.

For sustainable weight loss, a holistic approach that includes lifestyle and dietary changes is important.

How is tirzepatide administered?

Tirzepatide is self-administered once weekly through injection under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. The exact dosage needed for weight loss depends on the individual – the specific dosage and dosing instructions must come from your doctor.

What are the more common side effects of tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide can cause certain side effects, some being more common than others. Here are the most common side effects experienced by patients who took tirzepatide in clinical trials:

• Nausea and diarrhea (which were reported to occur while the tirzapetide dose was increased)

• Decreased appetite

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Indigestion

• Stomach Pain

Tirzapetide may cause serious side effects. Reported side effects include:

• Severe digestive problems, which may lead to acute kidney injury

• Gallbladder problems

• Pancreatitis

• Risk of thyroid cancer

• Severe allergic reaction

Consult a doctor before administrating Tirzepatide. 

Is tirzepatide right for you?

These medications are not available over the counter. They can only be obtained by prescription, so you will need to consult a doctor in order to get them. Not all clinics in Singapore carry tirzapetide medications, so if this is an option that you’d like to explore, you should call the clinic to check before making an appointment.

Medication alone isn’t enough. Tirzapetide, whether for weight loss or diabetes management, are most effective when paired with sustainable, healthy lifestyle habits that support long-term well-being.