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Tirzepatide

Natty
fat lossweight lossdiabetescardiovascularsleep apneasubcutaneous

What It Does

Reduces appetite for 21% weight loss. Significantly improves blood sugar and diabetes. Reduces sleep apnea breathing disruptions by 50%.

Natty Status Classification

This peptide is generally considered within the natty realm by some in the fitness community, particularly when used for therapeutic healing purposes. However, opinions vary, and competitive natural bodybuilding organizations may have different stances. Always check your federation's specific rules if you compete.

Description

FDA-approved dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist (Mounjaro/Zepbound) with superior 21% weight loss, first OSA medication, excellent diabetes control. GI side effects common.

Full Description

Tirzepatide is an FDA-approved dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist manufactured by Eli Lilly as Mounjaro (type 2 diabetes, 2.5-15mg weekly) and Zepbound (obesity and obstructive sleep apnea, 2.5-15mg weekly).

Unique imbalanced agonist with greater GIP receptor engagement than GLP-1, plus biased GLP-1 agonism favoring cAMP generation over β-arrestin recruitment, enhancing insulin secretion.

SURMOUNT trials demonstrated exceptional weight loss: 20.9% at 72 weeks (15mg dose), with 50-57% of participants achieving ≥20% weight loss.

SURMOUNT-4 showed 25.3% mean weight reduction long-term.

Unprecedented diabetes efficacy in SURPASS trials with HbA1c reductions of 1.9-2.6% and weight loss of 6.6-13.9kg, superior to semaglutide 1mg.

December 2024 FDA approval as first medication for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, reducing breathing disruptions by 25-29 per hour (5x more effective than placebo).

Cardiovascular meta-analysis showed HR 0.80 for MACE-4, with SURPASS-4 showing HR 0.50 at 15mg dose.

Common side effects are gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea 16.24% vs 8.63% placebo), typically mild-to-moderate, transient, occurring during dose escalation.

2024 systematic review found no association with pancreatitis.

Gradual titration every 4 weeks (2.5mg steps) minimizes adverse events.

Available in 6 strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg.

What is Lyophilized Powder?

Lyophilized powder is a sterile, freeze-dried medication that must be reconstituted (mixed with a liquid solvent, like sterile water) before it can be injected. This process extends the drug's shelf life and stability, making it ideal for temperature-sensitive products. The lyophilization process removes water from the peptide in a frozen state through sublimation, which preserves the physical and chemical properties until it is needed.

Application Methods

  • Subcutaneous injection

Product Names

  • Mounjaro
  • Zepbound

Benefits

  • Superior weight loss: 20.9% at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1, 15mg dose)
  • 50-57% of participants achieve ≥20% weight loss
  • Long-term efficacy: 25.3% mean weight reduction (SURMOUNT-4)
  • Unprecedented HbA1c reduction: 1.9-2.6% in SURPASS trials
  • Superior to semaglutide 1mg for diabetes and weight loss
  • First FDA-approved medication for moderate-to-severe OSA (Dec 2024)
  • OSA: 25-29 fewer breathing disruptions/hour (5x better than placebo)
  • 50% of patients no longer have OSA symptoms after 1 year
  • Cardiovascular protection: HR 0.50 for MACE at 15mg (SURPASS-4)
  • Systolic blood pressure reduction: 2.8-12.6 mmHg

Dosage Levels

  • Week 1-4: 2.5mg once weekly (subcutaneous, starting dose)
  • Week 5-8: 5.0mg once weekly
  • Week 9-12: 7.5mg once weekly (optional step)
  • Week 13-16: 10mg once weekly
  • Week 17-20: 12.5mg once weekly (optional step)
  • Week 21+: 15mg once weekly (maximum dose)
  • Escalate by 2.5mg every 4 weeks minimum
  • Maintenance: 5mg, 10mg, or 15mg based on response/tolerability
  • Available strengths: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15mg per 0.5mL
  • Do not increase faster than 2.5mg per 4 weeks

Research

Where to Buy

*Peptides are stored in form and need to be reconstituted with sterile bacteriostatic water before use.

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Last Updated: 10/19/2025