How Long Does It Take for Tirzepatide to Suppress Appetite?

This post offers a quick primer on tirzepatide, an FDA-approved medication for type 2 diabetes and weight management, and addresses the important question: How soon will I see results?

How does tirzepatide work?

When we eat, our bodies release natural hormones GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). These hormones increase insulin production, suppress appetite, and slow gastric emptying (making you feel full longer).

Tirzepatide works by activating the GIP and GLP-1 receptors, mimicking these natural hormones. This dual activation leads to greater improvements in blood sugar and weight loss compared to medications that only target the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1 agonists).

How long does it take for tirzepatide to suppress appetite?

Of course, every person is different, and how quickly tirzepatide works can vary. Some people may notice a decrease in appetite shortly after their first dose, for others, it can take a bit longer (a week or two). Don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel immediate effects. The appetite-suppressing benefits of tirzepatide, and the resulting weight loss, usually become more pronounced over several weeks.

What can I expect with tirzepatide?

Usually, you’ll start treatment with the lowest available dosage (2.5mg) and gradually increase it to a “maintenance dose” as your body becomes more accustomed to the medication and its side effects. It’s taken as a once-weekly injection.

One clinical trial showed that participants taking 5mg of tirzepatide per week experienced an average weight loss of 35.5 pounds over 72 weeks. Participants taking higher doses of tirzepatide (10mg) also saw significant weight loss over the same timeframe. However, a higher dose doesn’t always mean better or faster results. Every person responds differently to the medication, and it’s possible to achieve the same weight loss at a lower dose. Finding the right dosage is a personalized process that balances effectiveness with managing potential side effects.

Common Side Effects

Like all medications, tirzepatide can cause side effects. Many of the most common side effects are mild to moderate and often improve over time.

These can include:

• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• heartburn or acid reflux
• stomach discomfort
• burping or gas
• constipation
• fatigue

More serious but less common side effects may also occur.

These include:

• low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, confusion, dizziness)
• pancreatitis (severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever)
• gallbladder disease (pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever)
• kidney damage (decreased urination, swelling in your legs or ankles, fatigue)
• injection site and allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling, trouble breathing)

Tirzepatide has a Black Box Warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumors in rats. While this risk has not been established in humans, you should talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of tirzepatide, especially if you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer.

Is it safe to take tirzepatide long-term?

Yes, tirzepatide is designed for long-term use. However, abruptly stopping it, even after reaching your goal weight, can cause weight regain. Talk to your doctor before changing your dosage or stopping the medication. They can help you determine the best course of action.

Is it possible to keep the weight off after stopping tirzepatide?

It’s definitely possible to maintain some or all of the weight you lose with tirzepatide, but it requires ongoing commitment and a proactive approach. While weight regain is common after stopping any weight-loss medication, it’s not inevitable.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Tirzepatide is a tool, not a cure: Tirzepatide can help kickstart weight loss and make it easier to stick to a healthy lifestyle. But it’s not magic; you’ll still need to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to sustain the results.
• Ongoing support can make a difference: Working closely with your healthcare team (e.g., nutritionist, dietitian, primary care doctor), participating in a weight management program, and making long-term lifestyle changes can all help you keep the weight off even after stopping tirzepatide. At Younique, we help patients transition off GLP medications by progressively lowering doses. We also offer “Appetite Assist,” a specially formulated, medical-grade oral supplement designed to control appetite and support continued weight management as patients transition off GLP-1 medications.
• Individualized approaches are important: Some people may be able to stop tirzepatide and maintain most of their weight loss, while others may need to continue using the medication long-term. It’s important to find out what works for you and stick to it! 

The Bottom Line

Tirzepatide can be a powerful tool for weight loss, but it’s important to approach it with realistic expectations. You might see some changes within a few weeks, but real, lasting weight loss takes time and dedication.

Ready to take the next step with Younique?

If you’re serious about transforming your health and achieving your weight loss goals, we’re here to help! At Younique Surgery Center & Medical Spa, we don’t just offer medications like tirzepatide — we create a personalized plan just for you. Our team of experts, led by Dr. Mark Youssef, will be with you every step of the way, providing support, guidance, and a customized approach that fits your younique needs.