What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. It is a GLP-1 agonist that decreases glucagon release, increases insulin release, delays stomach emptying, and suppresses appetite.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 receptor agonist, which is released by your gut after you eat to signal to the brain that you are full.

Semaglutide lowers high blood sugar by raising the amount of insulin produced, decreasing the amount of glucagon released, and prolonging stomach emptying. It also regulates appetite, reducing your cravings.

What Is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide, marketed under the brand names Zepbound and Mounjaro, is prescribed to adults with type 2 diabetes and weight loss issues. As a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, tirzepatide helps people lose weight by reducing hunger and slowing the passage of food from the stomach into the small intestine. This may cause you to feel fuller for longer. Tirzepatide also lowers blood sugar levels by decreasing the amount of sugar the liver makes and increasing insulin production.

How Does Tirzepatide Work?

As a glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, tirzepatide mimics the hormone GLP-1, known to regulate hunger, causing people to eat less. It also imitates the GIP hormone (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). This hormone is well known for raising blood glucose levels, which may lead to feelings
of fullness.

Tirzepatide also slows down the rate at which food passes through the intestines, which prolongs the time that food remains in the stomach, resulting in a feeling of fullness and satisfaction. Tirzepatide may also increase energy, leading to more frequent movement throughout the day and increased calorie burn.

Side effects of each medication:

The side effects of tirzepatide and semaglutide are similar, likely
because they work in a similar manner.

Moderate side effects of tirzepatide and semaglutide can include:

• constipation or diarrhea
• upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting
• headaches
• abdominal pain
• fatigue
• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira) is an oral weight loss medication that was FDA approved in 1959.

Phentermine works by activating your sympathetic nervous system. So it’s known as a “sympathomimetic” or “stimulant” medication. Stimulants help speed up the functions of your body.

How does Phentermine work?

As an appetite suppressant, phentermine’s primary role is to prevent you from feeling hunger pains, which can lead to overeating or mindless snacking. The fewer calories
you eat, the more weight you lose. It’s simple math! Here’s how it works: Phentermine blocks the brain’s hunger signals by increasing the body’s release of catecholamines, which are chemicals made by the adrenal glands. These hormones cause an increase in heart rate and a decrease in appetite. Through burning more energy and eating fewer calories, many patients experience dramatic weight loss.

Effects of Phentermine

While phentermine is the most commonly prescribed appetite suppressant, it’s also the most likely to have potential side effects. When using phentermine, most people say they feel less hungry and more energetic and alert. Others have reported symptoms like insomnia, jitteriness, an increase in blood pressure, or a quickened heart rate. If you take phentermine as prescribed, which is in the early morning, the drug should offer appetite
suppression for the entire day and wear off towards bedtime.