Brenda, I have been on Tirzepatide for 20 weeks and lost nearly 40 pounds. I still have 10 pounds to go to meet my goal weight. Is it safe for me to be on Tirzepatide this long?

1. Duration of Treatment:

• You’ve been on Tirzepatide for 20 weeks, which is a substantial period.
• GLP-1 medications like Tirzepatide and Semaglutide are generally safe for long-term use. Still, it is essential to follow the guidance I provide during our one-on-one consultations.

2. Safety and Monitoring:

• Regular (weekly check-ins are best) monitoring is crucial during treatment. I will assess your progress, monitor any side effects, and adjust the dosage if needed.
• Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea), which tend to improve over time.

3. Obesity Specialist Care:

• You mentioned that you’re still 10 pounds away from your goal weight. Consistency, regular check-ins, keeping a food log, and staying active are critical.
• I recommend that my patients stay on GLP-1 (Tirzepatide or Semaglutide) for at least 12 weeks of continuous treatment to achieve meaningful weight loss. In addition, regular check-ins (ideally weekly) to monitor your progress and side effects.
• Once you achieve your weight loss goal, you will join a growing community of my patients who have lost 50 pounds or more! You even get a special YETI cup!

4. Clinical Trials:

• The STEP 5 trial with Semaglutide demonstrated weight reduction over 104 weeks, ranging from 5% to 20%.
• The SURMOUNT-1 trial with Tirzepatide demonstrated weight reduction over 72 weeks, ranging from 15% to 21%.
• Both medications had mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects.

5. Individual Variation:

• Weight loss is highly individualized. What works for one person may not be the same for another.
• Be patient with yourself and maintain realistic expectations.