Reviewed by Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD
Read time: 4 minutes
Losing weight can be a losing battle for many. From restrictive diets to grueling workout routines, the weight loss journey often feels like an uphill battle.
Zepbound is a recently approved weight loss medication that is making the weight loss journey more manageable and achievable for adults with obesity.
In this blog post, we will explain what Zepbound is, how it works, and its potential impact on weight loss management.
Table of Contents
What is Zepbound and How Does it Work?
Zepbound, or tirzepatide, is an injectable prescription medicine developed by Eli Lilly for adults with obesity or excess weight. It aims to promote weight loss combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Zepbound’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means that it works by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring hormone in our body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is responsible for regulating insulin and glucose levels, suppressing appetite, and promoting weight loss.
Zepbound differs from other weight loss medications because it targets weight management in adults and helps improve various health markers, like cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist size.
Key Takeaway
Zepbound is a weight loss drug approved by the FDA on Nov.8/23. The active ingredient, tirzepatide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the effects of a naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1, that regulates insulin and blood glucose levels and suppresses appetite. Combined with diet and exercise, Zepbound is effective in helping people who are overweight or obese to lose weight.
Zepbound Clinical Trials and Effectiveness
In a 17-month clinical trial by Eli Lily, people taking Zepbound lost up to 48 lbs on the 5mg, 10mg and 15mg doses. Additionally, one in three people taking the 15mg dose lost over 58lbs.
The individuals in this clinical trial who dieted and exercised while receiving the Zepbound injection observed changes in cholesterol, blood pressure and waist size (waist circumference).
Why is this significant? Because weight alone is not the sole indicator of a person’s health. Zepbound’s effectiveness in improving these health markers makes it a well-rounded solution for weight loss management.
The Importance of Diet and Exercise
When starting a weight loss program, it’s important to prepare yourself mentally and have realistic expectations. Zepbound can help you kickstart your weight loss journey, but it’s not a miracle drug.
Obesity and excess weight are not just about willpower or discipline. These conditions are the result of various factors, such as genetics, hormones, and environmental factors. A multifaceted approach is necessary to lose weight and keep it off.
Zepbound can help with one aspect of this approach by reducing appetite and promoting weight loss while individuals work on developing healthier lifestyle habits.
Research has shown that combining medication with diet and exercise leads to more significant and longer-lasting weight loss results compared to diet and exercise alone. Zepbound’s success in clinical trials proves its effectiveness in combination with a healthy lifestyle.
Side Effects and Precautions
As with any medication, Zepbound does have potential side effects. The most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach (abdominal) pain
- Indigestion
- Injection site reactions
- Feeling tired
- Belching
- Hair loss
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
*For a list of severe side effects, visit https://www.zepbound.lilly.com/.
Individuals who are allergic to tirzepatide or have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer) should avoid taking Zepbound. Individuals with MEN 2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2) should also not take Zepbound.
Zepbound should only be taken when prescribed and monitored by a licensed medical provider.
Dr. Kenton Buice – Weight Loss in Denver, CO
Dr. Kenton Buice, MD, is a renowned hormone specialist in Denver, CO, who has been helping patients balance hormones and achieve weight loss since 2005. He specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, medical weight loss, and overall wellness.
Dr. Buice’s approach combines personalized treatment plans with continued support to help patients reach their health goals. Zepbound is one of the many tools he uses to help patients achieve their weight loss goals.
If you are searching for ‘tirzepatide in Denver’ or ‘tirzepatide weight loss near me’, you’re in the right place. Dr. Bruice is an authorized prescriber of Zepbound and can help you determine if this medication is right for you.
Dr. Bruice has two locations in Colorado: Denver and Aspen.
To book an appointment at the Denver Hormone Institute of Colorado, call (303) 957-6686 or visit us at 55 Madison Street, Suite 575 Denver, CO.
To book an appointment at the Aspen Hormone Institute of Colorado, call (970) 925-6655 or visit us at 420 W Main Street Aspen, CO.
FAQs About Zepbound
How is Mounjaro different from Zepbound?
There is no difference other than the name. Mounjaro and Zepbound both contain the active ingredient tirzepatide. For a more detailed explanation of Mounjaro, read 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).
Is Zepbound covered by insurance?
Some insurance companies may cover the cost of Zepbound. To find out if your insurance plan covers the cost of Zepbound, visit https://www.zepbound.lilly.com/coverage-savings. Additionally, Eli Lilly offers a savings card to eligible individuals, which can lower the cost of Zepbound.