Glucagon like peptide -1 (GLP-1) and Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide (GIP) medications are revolutionizing the weight loss world.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 medication and Tirzepatideis both a GLP-1 and GIP medication and both are used for obesity and diabetes management.
These two similar (but slightly different) injectable medications act as receptor agonists. This means that they attach to specific “receptor” sites of bodily organs to initiate a specific response. In other words, they attach to receptors exactly like naturally occurring GLP-1 and GLP hormones would.
Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide tell the pancreas to initiate insulin production (GLP-1) actions. Normal Insulin production balances blood sugar levels as well as “driving” sugar into the liver and muscles. Insulin production is a critical component of health. Diabetics require insulin therapy to manage high blood sugar levels, which we know can cause a host of medical issues and diseases. From previous blog posts, we have discussed blood sugar and particularly excess carbohydrates and how damaging they can be.
GLP-1 hormones are naturally occurring in the small intestine. Not only does it trigger insulin release from the pancreas, but it can also block glucagon production. Glucagon production in the body raises blood sugar levels – for example, if you are fasting or post-exercise – your body will produce glucagon that releases stored sugar from your liver and muscles in order to keep your brain functioning.
GLP-1 slows digestion, which slows the release of sugar from foods into the bloodstream. GLP-1 will affect the area of the brain (satiety) centre that affects how “full” you feel. Most patients describe a feeling of “fullness” and, therefore, they tend not to eat as much or have no appetite when on these medications.
GIP actions are very close to the actions of GLP-1, and they also balance insulin response. Additionally, GIP affects how fat is stored and broken down in white adipose tissue.
At FreezeWellness, we find that both products work very well, but Tirzepatide seems to be more favorable for weight loss due to its dual action of having both GLP-1 and GIP actions. Semaglutide, once again, only has GLP-1 actions. Often times it is patient preference or how they feel about one product vs another that is the deciding factor of which one to use.
As for side effects, some patients experience bloating, fullness, constipation, and nausea as side effects with either of these products.
***Although these products are safe, they are contraindicated for the following patients: Thyroid cancer, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, Endocrine disorders, pregnancy.
These products are injected in small doses once per week (0.05cc-0.5cc), and we find it best to customize your dosing as to how you feel and the weight loss you experience. Some patients respond very quickly and stay on a low dose, while many patients require higher dosages and more time before their body responds to the medication. Both Tirzepatide and Semaglutide may take up to 2 months before results are noticed.
Tirzepatide must be cold-shipped to your door and stay refrigerated. It is stable for 3 days up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit if it does sit in your mailbox unexpectedly.
We prefer clean compounded products, and we use both Empower and Olympia compounding pharmacies for both of these medications.
Empower compounding pharmacy make a Tirzepatide with Niacinamide. Niacinamide is a vitamin B- 3 that enhances metabolism and increases fat burning, and acts “synergistically” with Tirzepatide. In other words, when Niacinamide is combined with Tirzepatide, it packs an extra boost to its effectiveness for some patients. It comes in at a strong Tirzepatide concentration of 17mg/ml and 2 mg/ml of Niacinamide.
Olympia Compounding pharmacy offers the most powerful Tirzepatide at a “whopping” 25mg/ml It is the strongest (concentrated) weight loss product we carry. Because of its strong concentration, many patients do 
not have to use as much compared to other products.
For Semaglutide, we like Empower Compounding pharmacy products that are mixed with Cyanocabolamin. Cyanocabolamin is vitamin B-12 and is added to Semaglutide to boost energy and metabolism. It comes in a strong concentration of 5mg/ml of Semaglutide and 0.5mg/ml of Cyanocabolamin.
Olympia Compounding pharmacy makes a straight Semaglutide which is
5mg/ml and no synergistic compounds.
If you are not sure which product is right for you, please email our office at admin@mydrfreeze.com, and we can point you in the right direction.