Zepbound is a prescription medication approved in 2023 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management.
Key Points
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) has been FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults who are obese or overweight.
- Clinical trial participants lost an average of 25 percent of their body weight.
- The trials also showed significant improvements in blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
- Zepbound reduces appetite, regulates blood sugar, slows stomach emptying, and reduces glucose production by the liver.
- Effectiveness varies among individuals, with factors such as diet, physical activity, and adherence to the medication affecting outcomes.
- Zepbound should not be used by people with certain medical conditions, those under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those allergic to its components.
Table of Contents
- What is Zepbound?
- Can Zepbound help you lose weight?
- How much weight will you lose taking Zepbound?
- How much do you take for weight loss?
- Who should not take this medication?
- How long does it take to lose weight on Zepbound?
- Why am I not losing weight on Zepbound?
- Is Zepbound more effective for weight loss than Wegovy or Ozempic?
- What is the strongest weight-loss prescription pill?
What is Zepbound?
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a weekly injectable treatment designed for long-term weight management.
Belonging to the class of medications known as dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, it mimics two of the body’s natural hormones that control hunger and blood glucose regulation.
Zepbound is approved for people ages 18 and above who are dealing with obesity (body-mass index [BMI], a measure of weight relative to height, of 30 or more) or who are overweight (BMI of 27 or more) and also have at least one weight-related health issue, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or heart disease.
Can Zepbound help you lose weight?
In the SURMOUNT-4 clinical trial, participants who completed the first 36 weeks of the study experienced an average weight loss of 20.9 percent.
Overall, 89.5 percent of study participants receiving Zepbound at 88 weeks maintained at least 80 percent of their initial weight loss, compared to 16.6 percent receiving the placebo (inactive treatment).
From week 36 to week 88, participants continuing on Zepbound experienced an additional average weight loss of 5.5 percent, while those who switched to placebo saw an average weight regain of 14 percent.
The overall weight loss from the start of the study to week 88 was 25.3 percent for those taking Zepbound, versus 9.9 percent for those taking the placebo.
How much weight will you lose taking Zepbound?
As with all medications, effectiveness will vary by the person and depend on health history, health goals, lifestyle, and medication adherence.
That said, Zepbound has shown effectiveness in leading to significant weight loss.
The SURMOUNT-1 study compared the effectiveness of three different doses of Zepbound (5 milligrams, 10 milligrams, and 15 milligrams) to a placebo:
| Amount of Weight Lost | Zepbound (5 mg) | Zepbound (10 mg) | Zepbound (15 mg) | Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At least 5% weight loss | 85% | 89% | 91% | 35% |
| At least 10% weight loss | 69% | 78% | 84% | 19% |
| At least 15% weight loss | 48% | 67% | 71% | 9% |
| At least 20% weight loss | 30% | 50% | 57% | 3% |
How much do you take for weight loss?
The dosage for weight loss is tailored to each person, starting at a lower dose and gradually increasing based on your body’s response and tolerability.
Most people start treatment with an initial dose of 2.5 milligrams [mg], which is gradually increased over time to find the best maintenance dose that provides effective weight loss while minimizing potential side effects.
Your healthcare provider will closely monitor your progress and adjust your dose as needed, considering factors such as weight loss efficacy, side effects, and overall health.
Who should not take this medication?
Zepbound is a prescription medication intended for specific use under medical guidance.
It is not suitable for people under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with certain genetic conditions, or anyone allergic to its active ingredient, tirzepatide, among others.
How long does it take to lose weight on Zepbound?
Weight loss is a gradual process, influenced by various factors including diet, exercise, and metabolic differences between people. How quickly you lose weight will depend on the mix of these factors.
In clinical trials, participants began to see weight loss early in the treatment process, with significant reductions becoming more apparent over time.
In the SURMOUNT-4 trial, participants experienced an average weight loss of approximately 20.9 percent after 36 weeks of treatment.
It’s important to note that individual results can vary, and continued weight loss over time typically requires sticking to prescribed treatment and lifestyle modifications.
Why am I not losing weight on Zepbound?
While many people see significant benefits from Zepbound, others may not experience the desired effects.
This could be due to a variety of factors, including differences in age, starting weight, lifestyle habits, existing health conditions, interactions with other medicines, and how consistently the medicine is taken.
Research suggests that the long-term use of GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines often sees a decrease in adherence over time, with about half of users discontinuing use around the one-year mark, possibly due to costs or side effects.
If you’re not seeing the expected weight loss, speak with your doctor. They may be able to suggest strategies or alternative medicines that could work better for you.
Is Zepbound more effective for weight loss than Wegovy or Ozempic?
While all three medications can contribute to weight loss, they are approved for different uses. Ozempic is approved for managing type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound and Wegovy are specifically approved for weight management.
Zepbound, which mimics two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), tends to be more effective for weight loss on average than Ozempic and Wegowy, which mimics the GLP-1 hormone.
Clinical trials have shown that participants taking Zepbound experienced an average weight loss ranging from 15 to 21 percent, whereas those on Ozempic observed an average weight loss of up to 14.9 percent.
What is the strongest weight-loss prescription pill?
There are many options available, but GLP-1 medications are considered to be the most effective weight-loss medications available, on average.
These include Saxenda (liraglutide), Wegovy, and Zepbound.
Unique among this group, Zepbound has a dual mechanism of action, mimicking both GLP-1 and GIP hormones for its weight-loss effects.
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