Tirzepatide and other GLP-1 agonists mimic hormones that are naturally released after eating, which help to regulate blood sugar and signal fullness to the brain. While this explains part of their effect, researchers still don’t fully understand how they change eating habits and lead to significant weight loss in most individuals that take them. Although there isn’t much empirical evidence for this, these reports have led scientists to hypothesise that these medications act beyond the gut, and target circuits in the brain that control how we process rewards and seek out relief for our cravings.