How To Deal With Tirzepatide Side Effects For Weight Loss?

You’re excited to start your weight loss program. You’re ready to go to your consultation and get your diet and exercise plan–and your first injection. But there are some things you would like to know before your appointment. Does Tirzepatide cause side effects? What are they? Are the side effects severe? How long do they last? How can you deal with them?

How Does Tirzepatide Trigger Weight Loss?

First things first–you need to know how Tirzepatide  works. (Maybe you already know, but we’ll cover it anyway, just in case.)

Two of the hormones your body releases when you digest food are GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). Tirzepatide triggers receptors that activate these hormones. They impact your glucose levels and tell your brain that you’ve eaten. When your body produces a constant supply of GLP-1 and GIP, it slows down your digestion and acts as an appetite suppressant, making you feel full for longer periods.

What Are The Side Effects Of  Tirzepatide ?

Tirzepatide slows your rate of digestion. This can lead to some side effects, especially gastrointestinal ones. When you first start your injections, you may have some of these side effects by taking Tirzepatide:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Appetite Loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Acid Reflux
• Abdominal Pain
• Bloating
• Belching
• Flatulence

You might also see some injection site reactions like itching, burning, redness, and swelling. If you have any signs of an allergic reaction (hives, breathing problems, swelling of your tongue or throat) contact your doctor immediately.

How To Deal With Side Effects

The good news is that side effects are usually mild and will clear up as your body gets used to Tirzepatide. The bad news is you still have to get through the side effects, even if they are short-lived. Your goal is to lose weight, but you can’t stop eating altogether–that’s just not healthy. So how do you stomach food when your stomach isn’t feeling the best? Let’s tackle the list of side effects and see if we can come up with an idea of how to deal with each one.

• Diarrhea: You’re having a hard time leaving the bathroom. We’ve all been there. Other than recommending having some flushable wipes on hand, you can adopt a bland diet for a few days to help things regulate.
• Constipation: On the other hand, if you need to get things moving, try an over-the-counter fiber supplement or eat foods with more fiber, like broccoli and blueberries. If those tips don’t work try a trip to the Taco Bell drive-thru (kidding! Don’t get us wrong, it would work, but you’re trying to lose weight and we respect that).
• Appetite Loss: We know what you’re thinking. “Isn’t that kind of the point of weight loss medication?” Yes, Tirzepatide will suppress your appetite, but you should still feel like eating. Changing your mealtimes and eating smaller portions should help you start to feel hungry again–but not too hungry.
• Nausea: Is the thought of eating making you feel sick? Keeping a little something in your stomach can help get rid of nausea. Try some crackers or a ginger ale to settle your stomach. We also recommend saving the murder documentaries and medical shows for after-dinner viewing, not while eating your plate of spaghetti and meatballs.
• Vomiting: Speaking of meals, are they making a regular reappearance? If you’re tired of the curtain calls, try eating smaller portions and giving your stomach time to settle between meals.
• Indigestion: We really were joking about Taco Bell earlier. In fact, it’s probably best to stay away from all greasy and spicy foods when you start Tirzepatide , especially if you’re having trouble with indigestion.
• Acid Reflux: You know how carbonated drinks sometimes “climb” up your straw and start to come out the top? That’s a pretty good visualization of acid reflux and its trip up your esophagus. If you have acid reflux, antacids or other over-the-counter meds should help.
• Abdominal Pain: We’ll be real with you: Tirzepatide can cause a lot of gas and digestive side effects. It shouldn’t be all that surprising if you have some stomach pain at some point after starting your injections. Try a stomach massage or maybe a trip to the bathroom.
• Bloating: No, you’re not gaining weight. And you’re not pregnant–well, maybe you could be. We don’t know. The point is, Tirzepatide might make you a little bloated. Wear comfy clothes and try to relax–it’ll get better soon.
• Belching: If you’ve been planning an important business lunch or a meal with some friends, you might want to wait until your body gets used to Tirzepatide. Everyone burps, but you may have a sudden fit of continuous gas that has no place to go but up…
• Flatulence: …or down. Yeah, postpone big meetings and crucial events until your body gets used to the medicine. Trust us–it’s for the best.

Get The Benefits, Minimize The Side Effects

Most of the side effects of Tirzepatide affect your digestion. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and staying away from fatty and spicy foods can go a long way toward helping you feel better as your body adjusts to your injections. 

Our providers are ready to set you up with a unique weight loss plan that works for you. Call or text Allure Esthetic at (206) 209-0988 to schedule your consultation.