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Semaglutide and Tirzepatide - How do they work?

Jacki Meinhardt

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide has rapidly become a leading solution in the field of weight management and obesity treatment, challenging conventional weight loss strategies. Originally designed for diabetes management, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide has demonstrated remarkable efficacy as a weight control medication, while continuing to be an integral component in diabetes care. Its success in aiding individuals nationwide to reach their weight goals has sparked a growing curiosity about the mechanisms through which it facilitates weight loss. 

 



Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, both GLP-1 receptor agonists, have specific effects on various organs, including the small intestine, stomach, pancreas, and brain. Here’s a detailed look at how it works on each of these organs:


Small Intestine:

  • Incretin Effect: enhances the incretin effect, which involves the release of hormones in response to food intake. In the small intestine, it increases the secretion of incretin hormones (like GLP-1) in response to nutrient ingestion.

  • Nutrient Absorption: Enhancing the incretin effect may indirectly influence how nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine, although its primary effect is more related to hormone secretion than direct absorption processes.

Stomach:

  • Gastric Emptying: slows gastric Emptying, meaning the process by which food moves from the stomach to the small intestine is delayed. It contributes to prolonged feelings of fullness and can help reduce overall food intake, aiding in weight loss or management in obesity treatment.

  • Appetite Regulation: The delay in gastric Emptying also impacts appetite signals, which are partly regulated by how quickly the stomach emptys its contents.


Pancreas:

  • Insulin Secretion: stimulates the beta cells in the pancreas to produce more insulin in response to high blood glucose levels. It helps in reducing the blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.

  • Glucagon Suppression: It also inhibits the alpha cells in the pancreas from secreting glucagon when blood sugar levels are low. Since glucagon typically increases blood sugar levels, its suppression helps maintain a more stable blood glucose level.


Brain:

  • Appetite Control: affects the brain’s appetite centers, reducing hunger and calorie intake. This action is beneficial for weight management in obesity.

  • Satiety Signals: It enhances satiety signals in the brain, contributing to the feeling of fullness, aiding in controlling portion sizes, and reducing overall food intake.

 
 
 

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Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice experience by the author. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this web site. Information provided on this web site and the use of any products or services purchased from our web site by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any of the physicians affiliated with our web site. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
©2025 by Jacki Meinhardt
www.jackimeinhardt.com

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