Zepbound has emerged as a significant player in the realm of chronic weight management, offering hope to adults struggling with obesity or overweight, especially when coupled with weight-related conditions. This article delves into the effectiveness of Zepbound, its usage, potential side effects, and other crucial information to provide a comprehensive understanding of this medication.
Understanding Zepbound
Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection is a prescription medicine approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management. It is intended for use in adults with obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or greater) or overweight (body mass index of 27 kg/m2 or greater) who also have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Zepbound is designed to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How Zepbound Works
Zepbound functions as a GIP receptor and GLP-1 receptor agonist. The active ingredient in Zepbound is tirzepatide, which falls into a group of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications can slow your digestion and make you feel full longer.
Zepbound activates receptors of hormones secreted from the intestine (glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)) to reduce appetite and food intake. The medication 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
This dual mechanism is why many studies show Zepbound efficacy may lead to greater weight loss compared to Ozempic.
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Effectiveness of Zepbound for Weight Loss
Zepbound’s effectiveness for chronic weight management (weight reduction and maintenance) in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity was established in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.
These studies measured weight reduction after 72 weeks in a total of 2,519 patients who received either 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg of Zepbound once weekly and a total of 958 patients who received once-weekly placebo injections. The larger of the two trials enrolled adults without diabetes. At the start of the trial, the average body weight was 231 pounds (105 kg) and average body mass index was 38 kg/m2. At the start of the trial in adults with type 2 diabetes, the average body weight was 222 pounds (101 kg) and average body mass index was 36 kg/m2.
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.
Average Weight Loss on Zepbound
Weight loss results on Zepbound vary between people, but clinical trials have reported weight loss of more than 10% of body weight in people taking tirzepatide for 72 weeks (1.5 years). 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.
According to research, nearly 9 out of 10 patients achieved at least 5% body weight reduction, which is considered a meaningful health milestone. Studies show patients can lose 15-22% of body weight over 72 weeks. Results vary, but many patients lose 30-50 pounds within a year. On average, patients may reach this milestone within 6-12 months.
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Weight loss results while taking Zepbound depend on factors such as your:
- Individual response to the drug
- Initial body weight and body fat percentage
- Lifestyle habits
- Dose of the medication
Factors Influencing Weight Loss
Individual weight loss results vary based on factors such as individual response to the medication, initial body weight, and lifestyle habits. To maximize weight loss while taking Zepbound, it’s best to combine it with regular physical activity and a balanced, nutritious diet.
Not combining it with these lifestyle habits may hinder your weight loss goals. You may also benefit from following other healthy lifestyle habits that can support weight loss, such as:
- 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
Setting Realistic Expectations
It’s important to set realistic weight loss results with Zepbound. While some patients may lose weight rapidly in the beginning, especially those with higher starting weights, this rate is not typical or sustainable. The success rate of Zepbound weight loss is very encouraging.
How to Use Zepbound
Zepbound is administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm. Use Zepbound 1 time each week, at any time of the day. Change (rotate) your injection site with each weekly injection.
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Zepbound injection is approved as a 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg per 0.5 mL in single-dose pen or single-dose vial. Zepbound is a prescription medicine.
Dosage and Administration
Zepbound is administered by injection under the skin once weekly, and the dosage must be increased over four to 20 weeks to achieve the target dosages of 5 milligram (mg), 10 mg, or 15 mg once weekly. 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.
Instructions for Use
This medication is injected under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can unless it is more than 4 days (96 hours) late. If it is more than 4 days late, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the normal time. Do not take 2 doses within 3 days (72 hours) of each other.
Storage Instructions
Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature up to 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep it in the original container. Protect from light.
Refrigeration (preferred): Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
Room temperature: This medication may be stored at room temperature for up to 21 days. If it is stored at room temperature, get rid of any unused medication after 21 days or after it expires, whichever is first.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired: Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location. If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Zepbound may cause serious side effects, including:
- Tumors in the Thyroid, Including Thyroid Cancer: Zepbound causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rats. It is unknown whether Zepbound causes such tumors, including medullary thyroid cancer, in humans. Do not use Zepbound if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Symptoms include a new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, or hoarseness.
- Severe Stomach Problems
- Kidney Problems (Kidney Failure): Caused by dehydration.
- Gallbladder Problems
- Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis): Symptoms include severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
- Serious Allergic Reactions: Stop Zepbound immediately and seek medical help if a severe allergic reaction is suspected.
- Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Especially if you also take a sulfonylurea or insulin.
- Changes in Vision in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
- Depression or Thoughts of Suicide: Report any unusual changes in mood or feelings or thoughts.
- Increased Risk of Food Getting into Your Lungs During Surgery or Other Procedures
This list is not exhaustive, and patients should consult their healthcare provider for a complete list of potential side effects.
Common Side Effects
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
Precautions and Contraindications
Zepbound should not be used in patients with a history of severe allergic reaction to tirzepatide (its active ingredient) or to any of its other ingredients. Zepbound has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis) or severe gastrointestinal disease (including severe gastroparesis, a condition that affects normal movement of the muscles in the stomach). It should not be used in combination with Mounjaro or a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Important Considerations
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Zepbound may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while using Zepbound. It is not known if Zepbound passes into your breast milk. You should talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while using Zepbound.
- Drug Interactions: Certain medications for diabetes, such as insulin, glyburide, glipizide, may interact with Zepbound. Estrogen and progestin hormones that you take by mouth may not work as well while you are taking this medication. Talk with your care team about all of the medications you take.
Who Should Not Take Zepbound?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Diabetes
- Eye disease caused by diabetes
- Gallbladder disease
- Have or have had depression
- Have or have had pancreatitis
- Having surgery
- Kidney disease
- Personal or family history of MEN 2, a condition that causes endocrine gland tumors
- Personal or family history of thyroid cancer
- Stomach or intestine problems, such as problems digesting food
- Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt
- An unusual or allergic reaction to tirzepatide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breastfeeding
Patient Experiences and Reviews
User reviews can provide valuable insights into the real-world experiences of individuals using Zepbound. However, it's important to approach these reviews with caution, as they represent individual experiences and may not be representative of everyone's outcome.
One user reported losing 26 pounds in 7 weeks, starting at 214 pounds and reaching 188 pounds. However, they also noted experiencing flu-like symptoms for 2 to 3 days after each shot.
Interpreting User Reviews
It's crucial to remember that user-generated content reflects personal opinions and experiences, which may not have medical or scientific backing. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions.