Tirzepatide for Medical Weight Loss in Brooklyn, NY

As of November 2023, the medication tirzepatide has been approved by the FDA for use as a weight loss medication through weekly injections. It has previously only been approved for patients with diabetes to help manage blood sugar levels but was frequently prescribed for off-label use as a weight loss medication. The new name brand for the weight-loss version of tirzepatide is Zepbound, with Mounjaro being the more well-known brand that is approved for diabetes treatment. When used for diabetes treatment, patients will also need to follow a diabetes-recommended diet and exercise regimen to more effectively manage blood sugar levels. A very similar treatment plan is recommended for weight loss with medication being administered alongside a diet and exercise regimen to provide more substantial results.

Tirzepatide supports weight loss due to its ability to suppress the appetite by providing increased feelings of fullness for longer periods, resulting in fewer calories being consumed. The medication can provide this substantial weight loss support very effectively because it combines two classes of medications known as dual GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor antagonists. Both GLP-1 and GIP are incretin hormones, which are naturally released by our bodies after eating to tell the pancreas to release a certain amount of insulin as well as indicate to the liver to decrease the amount of glucose being produced to help manage blood glucose levels. Tirzepatide mimics both incretin hormones to further lower the blood glucose levels, slowing down the digestive system to move food through the stomach a bit slower and telling the brain that the body is full, resulting in eating less to begin with and feeling fuller for longer.

Eating less and feeling fuller for longer is vital to successfully losing excess weight, as maintaining a calorie-deficient diet forces the body to use stored excess fat to burn for energy rather than the consumed calories.

The benefits of including weekly injections of Tirzepatide as part of a medical weight loss program are provided through the efficacy of the medication, which allows patients to lose more weight within a shorter period than if no medication were used. It is even considered to be a bit more effective than other types of weight loss medication since it mimics two types of incretin hormones, whereas the weight loss medication competitors only mimic one of the hormones. This means that the results are a bit more effective, allowing patients to lose excess weight even faster, significantly reducing the severity and risks of weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as type 2 diabetes. Without proper weight management, these health conditions can continue to worsen and increase the risk of developing into life-threatening conditions.

To be eligible for injections of tirzepatide as part of a medical weight loss program, patients will need to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher along with at least one weight-related health condition. Qualifying health conditions include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol

As well, patients who are receiving the weekly injections for weight loss will need to follow the other components of their medical weight loss program, including a recommended diet and exercise regimen. These components will be outlined by the healthcare provider, but the combination of the medication, calorie-deficient diet, and regular exercise will be essential in allowing the patient to safely and effectively lose excess weight.

For successful weight reduction, Big Apple Medical Urgent Care offers tirzepatide injections for those who are having trouble losing weight. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3805 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203. We serve patients from Brooklyn NY, Flatlands NY, Canarsie NY, Park Slope NY, Prospect Heights NY, Clinton Hill NY, East New York NY, and surrounding areas.