Tirzepatide (Zepbound) for weight loss
The bottom line
Tirzepatide (Zepbound) was approved in 2023 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss. While results from clinical trials are promising, experience with the drug is limited at this time. It is important to know how to take tirzepatide and what adverse effects and interactions to look for.
Prevention Tips
Always store medicines out of sight and away from children.
Always take tirzepatide exactly as instructed by your doctor—remember, it is taken once a week, not every day.
Read the instructions for use and ask your doctor or pharmacist about how to use the injector pen.
Notify your doctor or pharmacist before starting on any other medications while on tirzepatide.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any adverse effects to the medication.
What is tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide, also known as Zepbound, is a medication that is approved by the FDA for weight loss in people who are obese (with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI over 27 kg/m2) with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. It is meant to be used in combination with diet and exercise. It is important to note that this medication is not approved for people who are only a few pounds overweight. Tirzepatide is given as a once weekly injection.
Can tirzepatide help with weight loss?
Tirzepatide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 agonists, which were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Glucagon like-peptide (GLP)-1 is a hormone that is produced by the body when we consume food. GLP-1 increases insulin release and slows stomach emptying, which can make you feel full and decrease your appetite. It may have other effects in the body that we don’t completely understand yet. GLP-1 produced naturally is rapidly broken down by the body. GLP-1 agonist medications like tirzepatide work by providing higher concentrations of GLP-1 for longer periods of time, which is thought to increase weight loss. In addition, tirzepatide also works as an agonist of another similar hormone in the body glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which may provide additional benefit over other GLP-1 medications.
What are the differences between tirzepatide and Ozepmic and Wegovy?
Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy are all GLP-1 agonists. The dosing between medications may be a little different, but they all work in the same way. Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved by the FDA to treat high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy and tirzepatide are approved for weight loss in people who do not have diabetes. While tirzepatide is a GLP-1 agonist, it also works on GIP, which may make it more effective, but studies are limited at this time.
How effective is tirzepatide for weight loss?
In one study, the average weight loss for patients taking tirzepatide was 52 pounds. While this sounds very promising, it is also important to remember that these results occurred in patients enrolled in a study where they were closely monitored. The results may not be the same with real-world use, and individual results may vary. In addition, individual diet and exercise patterns can impact weight loss. Because these drugs are relatively new, we also do not know how long the weight stays off and how long people should be on the medication.
What are the side effects of tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide mostly causes gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and bloating. In severe cases, the stomach can stop emptying (gastroparesis), which can be serious. While information is limited, tirzepatide and other GLP-1 agonists have been reported to cause suicidal thoughts, inflammation of the pancreas, low blood sugar, and gall bladder problems. Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis have been reported.
Is tirzepatide safe for everyone?
There are some people that should not take tirzepatide. People who have a personal or family history of thyroid and endocrine tumors should not take GLP-1 agonists. Also people who already have problems with stomach emptying should talk to their doctor before taking tirzepatide.
Does tirzepatide interact with other medications?
Because tirzepatide and other GLP-1 agonists alter stomach emptying, they can affect the absorption of other medications. One important type of medication is birth control pills. GLP-1 agonists can decrease absorption of birth control pills, which may lead to unplanned pregnancy. People should consider alternative forms of birth control while taking medications like tirzepatide. Because absorption of other medications can also be affected, you should talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking and you may need to be monitored after starting tirzepatide.
Tirzepatide overdose: what should I do if I took too much?
If you think you or someone else took too much tirzepatide or is having a reaction to tirzepatide, use the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool to get immediate help, or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
