What is tirzepatide?
A peptide that mimics two gut hormones at once: GIP and GLP-1. It slows gastric emptying, increases the feeling of fullness and boosts insulin release only when blood sugar is elevated.
How well studied is tirzepatide?
Large approval trials (SURPASS in type 2 diabetes, SURMOUNT in obesity). In SURMOUNT-1, participants lost on average around 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks, depending on the dose.
What are the side effects and risks of tirzepatide?
Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, reflux – especially after dose increases. Rarely inflammation of the pancreas or gallstones. With rapid weight loss, muscle mass is lost too unless you get enough protein and do strength training.
Is tirzepatide approved in Germany?
In short: yes. Approved in the EU, prescription-only. Can reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill (delayed absorption). Do not combine with other GLP-1 medications.
Sources
Note: We deliberately list no doses here. For approved medications, your doctor sets the dose; for unapproved substances there is no reliable information.