Zepbound is a prescription medication approved for weight management in adults with obesity, or for severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults who are obese. Its active ingredient, tirzepatide, belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications work by mimicking natural hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar. Zepbound also targets GIP receptors, setting it apart from other GLP-1 medications. This dual mechanism may lead to greater weight loss compared to medications like Ozempic.
How Zepbound Works
Zepbound works by mimicking the effect of a hormone produced by your intestines called GLP-1. This hormone helps manage diabetes and weight loss by:
- Stimulating insulin secretion
- Increasing feelings of fullness
- Slowing the movement of food through your stomach to your intestines
- Assisting with fat loss
Tirzepatide usually reaches a steady concentration in your blood within 4 weeks. If it’s well-tolerated, your doctor will likely recommend increasing your initial weekly dose from 2.5 milligrams (mg) to 5 mg after this period. Over time, patients may move to a higher dose as recommended by their provider to maximize results.
Expected Weight Loss on Zepbound
Clinical trials have consistently found that Zepbound can help with weight loss when combined with healthy habits such as regular exercise and a nutritious diet. In general, higher degrees of weight loss occur in people taking higher doses of the drug.
Weight loss results while taking Zepbound depend on factors such as your:
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- Individual response to the drug
- Initial body weight and body fat percentage
- Lifestyle habits
- Dose of the medication
Weight loss with Zepbound varies from person to person, but clinical trials give us a helpful reference. It’s important to remember that averages don’t tell the whole story. Some people lose more, while others lose less.
Clinical research supports these effects. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, participants taking tirzepatide lost an average of 15-21% of their body weight over 72 weeks, depending on the dose.
In two studies, researchers reported the following at 72 weeks:
- In study 1, researchers included people with overweight or obesity without diabetes.
- In study 2, researchers included people with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes. Both studies were funded by Eli Lily, the company that produces Zepbound.
The specific amount of weight you might lose from Zepbound is uncertain, but significant weight loss ranging from 35.5 lb (16.1 kg) to 52.0 lb (23.6 kg) was observed in the 72-week SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial, which compared different Zepbound (tirzepatide) doses to a placebo (inactive treatment). Participants in the trial had to meet specific criteria: a body-mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related complication (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease). They had to be adults over 18 who had previously attempted diet-based weight loss unsuccessfully. No other weight-loss medications were allowed for 90 days before the trial. After 72 weeks, 85% to 91% of those on Zepbound achieved a body weight reduction of 5% or more, compared to only 35% on placebo. Notably, 4.3% of those on 5mg/week Zepbound discontinued treatment due to side effects, compared to 7.1% on 10mg/week and 6.2% on 15mg/week. It's important to remember that clinical trial data may not represent the general population, and individual factors can vary significantly.
The average weight loss with Zepbound per month may vary depending on the prescribed dosage. But after 72 weeks, or 18 months, someone using 15 mg of the drug as directed may be able to lose 20.9% of their body weight. This would mean someone who weighs 200 pounds (lb) at the start of their treatment could lose about 41.8 lb.
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Zepbound Weight Loss Timeline
Many people lose weight during the first 4 weeks of taking Zepbound (tirzepatide). Some people taking Zepbound may notice a small amount of weight loss within 4 weeks, but most studies examining weight loss outcomes have reported results after longer periods, such as 52 or 72 weeks.
The success rate of Zepbound weight loss is very encouraging. According to research, nearly 9 out of 10 patients achieved at least 5% body weight reduction, which is considered a meaningful health milestone.
Results vary, but many patients lose 30-50 pounds within a year. On average, patients may reach this milestone within 6-12 months.
Individual weight loss results vary based on factors such as individual response to the medication, initial body weight, and lifestyle habits.
Maximizing Weight Loss Results with Zepbound
Zepbound is meant to be combined with increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet. Not combining it with these lifestyle habits may hinder your weight loss goals. Medication can open the door, but your daily habits help you walk through it. You may also benefit from following other healthy lifestyle habits that can support weight loss, such as:
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- Getting plenty of sleep
- Eating adequate fiber
- Staying hydrated
- Reducing your intake of sugar and highly processed foods
- Eating an array of fruits and vegetables
- Eating plenty of lean protein, such as chicken breast or low fat dairy
- Reducing stress
Here are some key strategies to maximize your weight loss while taking Zepbound:
- Focus on nutrition: Build meals around protein (chicken, fish, beans), fiber (vegetables, whole grains), and healthy fats (avocado, olive oil).
- Move regularly: Strength training helps you maintain muscle mass, while cardio supports heart health and endurance.
- Prioritize sleep: Poor sleep disrupts appetite hormones and can make it harder to stay consistent.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can affect weight loss.
What to Do If You're Not Seeing Results
People may start to experience weight loss at different times while using Zepbound. Starting Zepbound can feel like a fresh start, but it’s common to question your progress when results seem slow. This doesn’t always signal a problem; Zepbound works best when dosage, timing, and daily habits align.
If you think Zepbound is not working for you, talk with your doctor. They can determine whether Zepbound is the right option for you or if they need to prescribe a different treatment.
It can be discouraging to see the scale stall, but plateaus and slower progress are part of almost every weight loss journey. If you’ve been on Zepbound for several months and progress feels stuck, it’s worth reviewing your nutrition, movement, and sleep patterns. Keeping a food and activity journal can provide helpful insights. Talking with your provider about dosage adjustments or lab testing can also make a big difference.
Although uncommon, some people notice temporary weight gain after starting Zepbound. This doesn’t mean the medication isn’t working. If you’re wondering, “Why am I gaining weight on Zepbound?”, don’t panic. Track your meals, water intake, and activity for a couple of weeks, and bring this information to your next appointment with your prescriber. Sometimes, small adjustments - like reducing sugary drinks or increasing protein - can help.
Dosage and Timing
Zepbound is used once weekly as a simple injection under the skin. When it comes to the best time of day to take Zepbound, there isn’t a medically proven “ideal” time. What matters most is consistency. Some patients prefer mornings because they can monitor side effects throughout the day. Others find evenings easier since they can sleep through any mild nausea. Stay consistent with weekly injections, track progress, and focus on balanced meals.
Important Considerations
Zepbound should not be used with other GLP-1 medications or any other tirzepatide products.