What is tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a prescription peptide medicine, best known under the brand name Mounjaro in the UK. Unlike semaglutide, which acts principally on GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide activates both:
- GLP-1 receptors
- GIP receptors
It is authorised in the UK for type 2 diabetes and for weight management in eligible adults. It is administered once weekly under medical supervision.
What does it do?
Tirzepatide:
- Reduces hunger and food cravings
- Makes people feel full sooner and for longer
- Slows stomach emptying, particularly when treatment begins
- Increases insulin secretion when blood glucose is elevated
- Reduces inappropriate glucagon release
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Produces weight loss primarily by reducing food intake and body fat
Its glucose-dependent action means tirzepatide alone has a relatively low risk of severe hypoglycaemia, but that risk increases when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas. UK Mounjaro prescribing information
How effective is it for weight loss?
In the 72-week SURMOUNT-1 trial involving adults with obesity or overweight without diabetes, average weight changes were approximately:
- 15.0% with 5 mg
- 19.5% with 10 mg
- 20.9% with 15 mg
- 3.1% with placebo
Individual results vary, and these results came from a controlled trial that included lifestyle support and gradual medical dose escalation. SURMOUNT-1 trial
Weight regain is common after treatment stops, so tirzepatide is generally considered part of long-term obesity management rather than a short course.
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