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Zepbound: The Newest Medication for Weight Loss

Zepboundâ„¢ is the newest FDA-approved medication for weight loss. Learn about Zepbound's weight loss results, how it works, and what to be mindful of.


Over the last few years, we have seen great progress in medications approved for weight loss. The most recent addition to this class of medications is Zepbound™, a once-weekly injectable medication manufactured by Eli Lilly for the treatment of obesity. This is the most recent approval of a weight loss medication since Wegovy®, which became available for weight loss in June of 2021. In clinical studies, patients using Wegovy for weight loss experienced an average of 15.8% reduction in their body weight. Zepbound clinical trials show patients losing even more. On average patients with obesity experienced a remarkable 26.6% loss in body weight.


Zepbound contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which is the same active ingredient as Mounjaro®, a medication approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes and prescribed off-label for weight loss. Here’s what you need to know about this promising new weight loss medication.


What is Zepbound? Zepbound: The Newest Medication for Weight Loss

Tirzepatide is the active ingredient found in both Mounjaro and the recently approved Zepbound. Zepbound should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise to promote weight loss and has demonstrated the highest average weight loss seen with a medication to date. The amount of weight loss with Zepbound is comparable to that achieved with bariatric surgery


Zepbound should not be used along with other GLP-1 receptor agonists. If you have a history of pancreatitis, the safety of using Zepbound is unknown. Similar to other GLP-1 medications, Zepbound should not be used if you are pregnant or have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer. Safety and effectiveness of Zepbound for weight loss have not been established in patients less than 18 years of age and therefore use is not recommended.


How does Zepbound Work for Weight Loss?

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is in a class of its own when it comes to obesity medications. Tirzepatide is a single molecule that has the ability to mimic two naturally occurring hormones in the body that help to lower blood sugar: Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The weight loss effect of Zepbound has to do with the dual action of the drug on both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors found in the appetite center of the brain which reduces cravings and food intake. GLP-1 also slows down stomach emptying, so you feel fuller sooner and longer, while GIP acts on our fat stores in a variety of ways to improve function and insulin sensitivity; all of which promote weight loss. Another notable effect of Zepbound for weight loss found in clinical trials were improvements in weight related conditions such as changes in cholesterol and reductions in blood pressure noted in those with weight loss.


Zepbound: The Newest Medication for Weight Loss

What Are the Side Effects of Zepbound?

While there are many beneficial effects of Zepbound, like with any medication, there are potential side effects that need to be taken into consideration. Similar to GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy, the most common side effects of tirzepatide are gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, and abdominal pain. Headaches, dizziness, and an increase in heart rate can occur as well, though less commonly. Gallbladder disease is another potential side effect, and other rare side effects have also been described. Tolerability of tirzepatide can be improved by starting the medication at a low dose and gradually increasing it. Clinical studies investigating the use of tirzepatide for weight loss employed a monthly dose escalation strategy which is recommended to help to reduce the potential for intolerable side effects. 


How InShapeMD Can Help While Taking Zepbound

While medications like Zepbound are a great tool in weight loss, studies show that patients experience greater weight loss success when medication is combined with lifestyle changes, rather than using medication alone. At InShapeMD, patients work 1:1 with a Physician and medical staff who help create a personalized plan just for you. Your plan will address nutrition, physical activity, and mindset shifts and may include a prescription for FDA-approved medication, if appropriate, to help you reach your weight loss and health goals. 


To learn more about Zepbound for weight loss or any of our other weight loss programs, call InShapeMD today at 704-817-9833 or schedule a consultation at www.inshapemclt.com

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