Tirzepatide: Beyond Appetite Control

[pizzathehutt]

...and really all the other GLP-1 and multi-receptor agonists. For simplicity, I'm focusing on what I have personal experience with, Tirzepatide.

Many get hung up on the appetite suppression benefits of these agonists -- for good and bad.

I believe the narrative needs a shift. In my mind, Tirzepatide’s (and the others) weight loss effects extend beyond simple appetite suppression.

From my understand, these agonists improves insulin sensitivity, increases energy expenditure, enhances lipid metabolism, positively alters gut hormone levels, reduces fat accumulation, possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and improves glycemic control.

All of these combined mechanisms contribute to its overall effectiveness in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health.

Yes, appetite suppression and caloric deficits is the main player but there's so much more.

Next, I'd like to tie together current public research alongside the wealth of reports across various places to really hone in a solid, data backed, message.

Why? I have friends and colleagues that reject these peptides. Smart folks that have unfortunately accepted narratives that have made even considering usage socially taboo. Folks that could really benefit from them. I'd like them to be around.

 

[pizzathehutt]

I personally have some mechanism statements I'd like to explore and identify if they are true or not -- and what the data looks like. Some of this has already been proven. Some may need clarification or analysis into if it's really doing something or not.

• Improved Insulin Sensitivity:
  • Tirzepatide enhances insulin sensitivity, which helps the body utilize glucose more effectively, reducing the likelihood of excess glucose being stored as fat. More on that below.
• Enhanced Lipid Metabolism, Reduction in Fat Accumulation, and Basal Metabolic Rate:
  • Tirzepatide affects lipid metabolism by promoting fat oxidation and reducing fat storage, leading to a reduction in body fat.
  • Tirzepatide promotes the breakdown of stored fat (lipolysis) by enhancing the activity of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). This leads to the mobilization and reduction of fat stores.
  • It decreases the process of lipogenesis (the creation of new fat cells), which is often driven by high levels of insulin and glucose. By stabilizing blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity, tirzepatide indirectly reduces the creation of new fat cells.
  • Tirzepatide significantly improves glycemic control, stabilizing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of insulin spikes that can lead to fat storage.
  • Tirzepatide can increase basal metabolic rate, which means more calories are burned at rest. This effect contributes to a higher overall energy expenditure, leading to reduced fat storage.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
  • Tirzepatide’s dual receptor agonist action has anti-inflammatory effects that help reduce chronic inflammation, which is associated with obesity and metabolic diseases.

 

[AlexDavis43]

90% comes down to fat loss. Call that short-sighted if you like, but show me any of these benefits occur in an energy surplus where you're gaining body fat.

Maybe some of the negative effects of fat gain are attenuated, but the main benefits of these drugs is fat loss and downstream from there.

 

[JG91]

What mechanism causes the increase in BMR? And any idea how significant it is?

 

[AlexDavis43]

What mechanism causes the increase in BMR? And any idea how significant it is?

The heavy lifting is done by reduced food intake. A minor boost in BMR is nothing compared to 100s less kcals from food intake.