On November 8, 2023, the FDA granted approval to Zepbound. It is an injectable medication for chronic weight management. For best results, patients taking Zepbound weight loss injections should also follow a reduced calorie diet and increase exercise.

What Is Zepbound?

Zepbound is an FDA-approved injectable medication for chronic weight loss management.

How Does Zepbound Work?

Zepbound (tirzepatide) causes weight loss by regulating appetite and food intake through activation of GLP-1 and GIP receptors in the body.

What Is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide works by activating GLP-1 and GIP receptors in the body, which play a role in regulating blood sugar levels and food intake. Consequently, tirzepatide can help decrease appetite and increase feelings of fullness, leading to reduced food intake and ultimately resulting in weight loss.

Additionally, tirzepatide may also slow down the emptying of the stomach and lead to longer periods fullness.

Who Can Take Zepbound?

Zepbound is a prescription weight loss medication. It is recommended for adults who are obese or overweight that have one or more weight-related conditions.

These conditions may include high blood pressure, high cholesterol,  type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease.

Who Should Not Take Zepbound?

Zepbound may not be suitable for patients with a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal diseases.

Moreover, Zepbound is not recommended for:

  • Individuals with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
  • Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
  • Anyone that has experienced a serious allergic reaction to tirzepatide.

How Is Zepbound Administered?

Patients administer Zepound as an injection under the skin on a weekly basis. Common injection sites are the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Additionally, patients should rotate the injection site each week and avoid repeated injections in the same area.

Zepbound Dosing

Zepound is available in single-dose injections of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg.

Initially, it is given as a 2.5 mg weekly injection for the first month of treatment. Subsequently, Zepbound dosing is increased to a 5 mg weekly injection for another month.

Currently, the highest dose of Zepbound is 15 mg per week.

Zepbound Results

The effects of Zepbound weight loss injections were studied in a 17-week clinical trial. During this time, participants dieted, exercised, and took 5mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg of Zepbound.

As a result, all participants loss weight. The study found that:

  • 15.0% average weight loss (34 lbs) for participants taking 5 mg of Zepbound
  • 19.5% average weight loss (44 lbs) for participants taking 10 mg of Zepbound
  • 20.9% average weight loss (48 lbs) for participants taking 15 mg of Zepbound

Zepbound also yielded positive changes in cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference.

What Are Common Side Effects of Zepbound?

Like most medications, Zepbound has some side effects to be aware of. In most cases, these issues are usually temporary and resolve on their own.

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Stomach (abdominal) pain
  • Indigestion
  • Injection site reactions
  • Feeling tired
  • Allergic reactions
  • Belching
  • Hair loss
  • Heartburn

What Are Rare Side Effects of Zepbound?

However, Zepbound has been associated with some more serious side effects. Fortunately, these issues are extremely rare.

  • Severe stomach problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Inflammation of the pancreas
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Changes in vision in patients with type 2 diabetes
  • Depression or thoughts of suicide

Accordingly, patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of these serious side effects.

Learn More About Zepbound Weight Loss Injections

Ultimately, Zepbound is an excellent option for women and men who struggle with excess weight and weight-related conditions.

For additional information about Zepbound weight loss injections, please call our office to schedule a consultation with one of our amazing specialists.