Is Tirzepatide The New Ozempic? We Asked Medical Experts To Explain The Trending Weight Loss Drug

Weight loss talk is everywhere—from TikTok "what I eat in a day" videos to group chats swapping the latest diet hack. But in the Philippines, diet culture isn't just a social media moment—it reflects a growing health concern. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), citing the Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute, reported that around 27 million Filipinos are overweight or obese. The World Health Organization (WHO) also found that four in 10 Filipino adults fall under the overweight category.

With numbers like these, it's no surprise that quick-fix solutions keep gaining traction. Many are eager to try the newest trend promising fast results—even without enough research or medical guidance. The latest buzzword entering the weight loss conversation? GLP-1 medications, particularly tirzepatide, a.k.a. "tirze." In stores, it's sold under brand names like Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Dr. Mia Fojas, endocrinologist at the Philippine General Hospital, warned not to dip too early into this weight loss "trend" without supervision from a medical expert and proper research as it may risk complications. "Current trends misalign with evidence-based use, as drugs are for chronic conditions under doctor supervision, not quick fixes," Dr. Fojas told Cosmopolitan Philippines.

Dr. Fojas also warned about buying these medications online without a doctor's supervision. She said there are real risks, like getting fake or unsafe versions of the drug, taking the wrong dose, or missing important health checks. Some people might have conditions—like certain thyroid problems, pancreatitis, or serious gut issues—that make these drugs unsafe for them.

Shay Castillo, registered nutritionist-dietitian and American Council of Exercise-certified personal trainer, emphasized that taking tirzepatide is not a shortcut to weight loss but works alongside proper nutrition and healthy habits. 

"If healthy habits aren't built alongside medication use, weight regain is also more likely once the medication is stopped. That's why nutrition guidance is important to help people lose weight safely while still properly fueling their bodies," Shay shared with Cosmo.

"When used together with medical care, nutrition support, and lifestyle changes, they can be a helpful tool, but they're only one part of the process," she added. 

Tirzepatide belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs. Dr. Margarette Pajanel, endocrinologist at Eluvo Health, explained that GLP-1 or glucagon-like peptide-1 is naturally produced by our bodies as a response to a meal intake and help regulates appetite and digestion.

Drugs like tirzepatide work by boosting this natural hormone, which helps control hunger and blood sugar. This can make smaller portions feel more satisfying and reduce cravings, potentially leading to weight loss.

"It stimulates insulin secretion, which is needed to keep our blood sugar in check, inhibits glucagon, which is the hormone that tells your liver to make more sugar, slows down gastric motility, increases satiety and regulates appetite," Dr. Margarette told Cosmo. 

Tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro or Zepbound) is often compared to Semaglutide (sold as Ozempic), another GLP-1 receptor agonist. While both medications are GLP-1 receptor agonists, the key difference is that tirzepatide works on two hormones instead of just one.

"Tirzepatide is a dual receptor agonist that has an effect on both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). The added GIP also has similar functions to your GLP1, but it has an additional effect on your adipose tissue metabolism or your fat cells," Dr. Margarette explained. 

Dr. Fojas also said that this dual receptor helps people lose more weight effectively "up to 20% of body weight in trials for persons with obesity, and up to 12% for persons with diabetes with obesity" compared to single GLP-1 drugs. 

First things first: There is no one-size-fits all solution for weight loss and health. Bodies are different and what works for one social media influencer might not work for you. Dr. Fojas and Dr. Pajanel said that tirzepatide is usually for people who are considered obese or have health problems related to their weight, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver, or sleep apnea.

It is typically recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher if they also have health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea, especially if diet and exercise haven't worked. However, both doctors encouraged seeking expert guidance before starting any prescription medication on their own. 

Dr. Pajanel also warned about the rising accessibility of these medications: "People should be wary of obtaining these medications from suspicious sources, particularly the ones bought in vials, as the FDA-approved ones that are available in the Philippine market can be accessed through legitimate drugstores, and are in a pen-type—not in a vial type."

"We should always exercise caution with any substance we put into our bodies, especially those we are willing to inject," she added.

Of course, like any medication, tirzepatide and other GLP-1 RAs can come with side effects. Dr. Pajanel explains, "Potential risks and adverse reactions of GLP-1 RAs comes from their effect on the body, so it's mostly on the gastrointestinal system."

She lists some of the "expected" side effects: nausea, vomiting, constipation, gallstone formation, and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). She adds, "We also now see case reports from the drug use such as blindness, gastric paralysis, hair loss to name a few."

As a nutrionist, Shay shared that while she's open to the use of tirzepatide, these medications shouldn't be the first step, especially for those who don't have obesity or weight-related health problems. She stressed that focusing on good nutrition, regular activity, quality sleep, and sustainable lifestyle habits should come first.

"The goal is still to build healthy eating habits, preserve muscle, and support overall health so people aren’t fully dependent on the medication in the long run," she said.

Advances in medicine for weight management and related health issues are definitely a promising step toward helping Filipinos live healthier lives. Dr. Pajanel described these developments as an "exciting time" in addressing obesity in the country. But she also reminds potential users that they should always follow medical guidelines and be supervised by experts.