Medical Weight Loss · Kingwood, The Woodlands & New Caney
Tirzepatide for Weight Loss
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly medication that acts on two appetite hormones, GIP and GLP-1, and has produced some of the largest average weight loss seen in clinical trials.
How it works
Two pathways, one weekly dose
Tirzepatide activates receptors for both GIP and GLP-1. Together they reduce appetite, slow stomach emptying and improve how the body handles blood sugar. It is a once-weekly injection started at a low dose and increased gradually.
In a large clinical trial, adults on the highest dose lost about 20% of their body weight on average over 72 weeks, alongside diet and activity changes. Individual results vary.
Important to know
- Once-weekly injection
- Dose increases about every four weeks
- Can make birth control pills less effective after starting and after dose increases
- Not for use in pregnancy
- Ongoing follow-up and labs
Side effects
What to expect
Common, often early
- Nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Indigestion
- Injection site reactions
Call us right away for
- Severe belly pain
- Persistent vomiting or dehydration
- Signs of gallbladder problems
- A lump or swelling in the neck
Tirzepatide near you
Tirzepatide near Kingwood and The Woodlands
We prescribe and monitor GLP-1 weight loss medication for patients from Kingwood, The Woodlands, Porter, Humble and across the Lake Houston area at our New Caney office. Your first visit includes a full evaluation and labs.
Safety first. GLP-1 medications are not right for everyone. They should not be used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2, or during pregnancy, and they need caution with a history of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease. Dr. Bernell reviews your history and labs before prescribing and monitors you throughout. Read more about GLP-1 side effects.
Questions
Common questions
How much weight can you lose on tirzepatide?
In the main clinical trial, people on the highest dose lost about 20% of their body weight on average over 72 weeks.
Does tirzepatide affect birth control?
Tirzepatide can make birth control pills less effective. A backup or non-oral method is usually recommended for four weeks after starting and after each dose increase.
Is tirzepatide stronger than semaglutide?
In a head-to-head trial, tirzepatide produced more average weight loss. See semaglutide vs. tirzepatide.