How Do GLP-1 Medications (Like Compounded Tirzepatide) Work?
GLP-1–based medications, including tirzepatide, interact with hormonal pathways involved in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism. Tirzepatide engages both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which are incretin hormones that influence how the body responds to food intake. These pathways are involved in signaling fullness, regulating insulin release, and moderating post-meal blood sugar responses.
Through interaction with these receptors, GLP-1–based medications may influence satiety signals in the brain and affect the rate at which the stomach empties, which may contribute to changes in hunger or fullness in some individuals. They may also influence insulin and glucagon activity involved in normal blood sugar regulation. The degree of these effects varies from person to person and represents only one component of a broader, medically supervised care plan that may also include nutrition guidance, physical activity, and other lifestyle considerations.
Individual responses to GLP-1–based therapies differ, and no specific changes in appetite, weight, or metabolic outcomes can be guaranteed.
