Zepbound is the recently FDA approved medication geared towards weight management. Tirzepatide, which is the active ingredient in Zepbound, was originally FDA approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro, which has been prescribed off label for the treatment of obesity.
Zepbound (tirzepatide) stands out among obesity medications. It's a single molecule that mimics two natural hormones—Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This drug's weight loss effect is due to its action on GIP and GLP-1 receptors in the brain's appetite center, reducing cravings and food intake. GLP-1 slows stomach emptying, making you feel fuller sooner and longer, while GIP enhances fat storage function and insulin sensitivity, ultimately aiding in weight loss.
Coupled with a healthy diet and exercise routine, individuals on Zepbound lost on average 21% of their total body weight. This medication has showcased the most significant average weight loss recorded with a drug so far.
Zepbound is priced at $1059.87, but that's not necessarily what you'll pay if you use insurance or discounts. Eli Lilly provides a Zepbound savings card program for individuals with commercial insurance, allowing them to pay as little as $25 per month.
Adults with obesity (BMI 30+) or overweight (BMI 27+) alongside weight-related health issues (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, to name a few) qualify for Zepbound.
Zepbound, like any medication, has potential side effects alongside its benefits. Common side effects of Zepbound include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Less common are headaches, dizziness, and increased heart rate. Gallbladder disease is a potential concern, alongside some rare side effects. Starting with a low dose and slowly increasing it can enhance Zepbound's tolerability.