Tirzepatide versus Phentermine: Which Weight Loss Pill or Shot Makes Sense for You?
Trying to figure out weight loss medications is really confusing now. Every week there is an injection on the news but older medications are still available at pharmacies. When you talk to a doctor two names that come up all the time are Tirzepatide and Phentermine.
Both Tirzepatide and Phentermine need a prescription from a doctor. Both Tirzepatide and Phentermine can help you lose weight if you also eat food and exercise your body.. That is where the similarities between Tirzepatide and Phentermine end. Tirzepatide and Phentermine work on different parts of your body they have totally different timelines and they have very different prices.
Here is what you need to know before talking to your doctor about Tirzepatide and Phentermine.
How Tirzepatide and Phentermine Work in Your Body
Tirzepatide (The Gut & Hormone Approach)
Tirzepatide is a medication that uses the gut and hormone approach. Tirzepatide, which is sold as Zepbound for weight loss and Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes is a shot. It mimics two hormones that your body normally releases after you eat which are GLP-1 and GIP.
Of forcing your system to work too hard Tirzepatide mostly tricks your brain and stomach.
- It stops the voice that tells you to eat all the time.
- It helps you stay full for a time because it slows down digestion.
- It helps manage your blood sugar levels, which helps keep your energy levels steady throughout the day.
Phentermine (The Brain Approach)
Phentermine is a medication that uses the brain approach. Phentermine, which is also known as Adipex-P or Lomaira is a pill that has been available since the 1950s. It is not a hormone medication at all. It is a central nervous system stimulant, which is similar to amphetamines.
Phentermine works by flipping your "fight-or-flight" switch. It does this by increasing messengers like norepinephrine in your brain, which makes your nervous system think you are not hungry.
- It gives you a little energy because it is a stimulant, which makes your heart beat faster and your body burn more calories even when you are not moving.
The Results: What Can You Actually Expect to Lose with Tirzepatide and Phentermine?
When you look at the data from trials the difference in weight loss between Tirzepatide and Phentermine is huge.
Tirzepatide: People who took the dose of Tirzepatide which is 15 mg lost around 20% to 22% of their starting weight over 72 weeks. For a person who weighs 200 pounds that is 40 to 44 pounds. That is very close to the results you would get from surgery.
Phentermine: Phentermine is meant for short-term use. Most people who take Phentermine lose around 3% to 5% of their starting weight which's maybe 10 to 15 pounds over a 12-week period. After a months your body gets used to the stimulant and you usually stop losing weight.
Taking Tirzepatide and Phentermine: Pills versus Shots Short versus Long Term
Phentermine is a pill that you take every morning. Doctors usually limit your prescription to 12 weeks at most. This is because your body gets used to stimulants and there is a chance that you might become dependent on them.
Tirzepatide is a shot that you give to yourself a week under your skin. Obesity is treated as a long-term condition, which means that if you stop taking Tirzepatide you will probably gain the weight back.
Side Effects to Keep in Mind when taking Tirzepatide and Phentermine
Since Tirzepatide and Phentermine target different systems their side effects are not the same.
With Tirzepatide you might experience stomach issues, such as:
- Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up
- Having diarrhea or constipation
- Having stomach cramps especially when you increase your dose
With Phentermine you might experience stimulant side effects, such as:
- Having trouble sleeping or insomnia
- Having a racing heart and high blood pressure
- Having a mouth feeling jittery or feeling anxious
The Price Difference between Tirzepatide and Phentermine
This is a difference. Phentermine is a medication. You can usually buy a months supply at a pharmacy for $10 to $30 out of pocket.
Tirzepatide is a brand-name biologic medication. If you do not have insurance coverage it can cost over $1,000 every month.
Which One Should You Ask Your Doctor About: Tirzepatide or Phentermine?
You should ask your doctor about Phentermine if you want an short-term way to lose weight you do not like shots and your heart health is fine.
You should ask your doctor about Tirzepatide if you have a lot of weight to lose you struggle with food cravings or prediabetes you do not mind getting a shot and your insurance covers it or cost is not a problem.
Talk to your care doctor or an endocrinologist to see which medication is best, for you based on your medical history and Tirzepatide and Phentermine.
