Zepbound (Tirzepatide): A Promising New Treatment for Obesity

Obesity and being overweight pose significant health risks and are growing public health concerns. Finding effective solutions to achieve and maintain healthy weight levels is imperative.

Zepbound (Tirzepatide) shows promise as a therapeutic option for weight management and improving metabolic parameters.

What is Zepbound?

Tirzepatide, also known by its brand name Zepbound, is a novel glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly.

It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in adults with at least one weight-related health condition.

As a synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonist, Zepbound stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. These unique mechanisms of action set it apart from other anti-obesity medications.

Robust Efficacy Demonstrated in Clinical Trials

Participants in the SURMOUNT-1 and SURMOUNT-2 phase 3 clinical trials who took the highest dose of Zepbound lost an average of 48 lbs, and those who took the lowest dose lost an average of 34 lbs over 72 weeks ( 1 , 2 ).

Results from the SURMOUNT phase 3 trials confirmed tirzepatide’s potential for weight management ( 3 ). The results showed that tirzepatide led to a substantial additional reduction in body weight, with participants achieving an average of 18.4% weight loss compared to 2.5% in the placebo group over 72 weeks.

Tirzepatide also demonstrated superiority in achieving various categorical weight loss thresholds and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors.

Mechanism of Action of Tirzepatide

The distinct dual mechanism of tirzepatide sets it apart from other anti-obesity drugs.

It activates GIP and GLP-1 receptors in the brain that regulate appetite/food intake and in the pancreas to enhance insulin and lower glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner.

These combined effects drive pronounced weight reduction along with improvements in glycemic control and lipid parameters.

The integrated mechanisms targeting multiple obesity-related pathways offer advantages over weight loss drugs like phentermine that predominantly suppress appetite.

How Tirzepatide Compares to Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic

Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro (another brand name used for tirzepatide), and Zepbound are hormone replacement therapies targeting weight management issues leading to overweight and obesity.

All function as GLP-1 receptor agonists, aiding in blood sugar control. These medications have similar mechanisms; they affect the brain to reduce appetite and slow stomach emptying. They offer a weight loss solution that rivals surgical options.

Zepbound stands out as it activates an additional hormone receptor, GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), which helps reduce appetite and enhances sugar breakdown.

Zepbound, like its counterparts, is administered through self-injection.

More comparative studies are needed, but the distinct dual mechanism of tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) activating both GIP and GLP-1 pathways seems to confer greater effects.

Recommended Dosage

The recommended starting dosage for Zepbound is 2.5 mg subcutaneously once weekly, increased gradually over time up to the maximum dosage of 15 mg once weekly.

Healthcare providers determine appropriate dosing individually based on efficacy and tolerability. Adhering closely to the prescribed regimen is important for safety and achieving optimal outcomes.

Side Effects of Zepbound

According to the FDA’s prescribing information for Zepbound, the most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion, injection site reactions, fatigue, hypersensitivity reactions, hair loss, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The gastrointestinal adverse effects are typically mild-moderate, appear especially early in treatment, and typically diminish over time.

Pancreatitis and thyroid cancer risks require surveillance but appeared rare in trials (0.3% and <0.1% incidence, respectively). Providers can minimize risks through appropriate patient selection, education on recognizing signs and symptoms needing urgent care, and monitoring based on guidelines.

Zepbond should not be taken by women who are pregnant or a person with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or who have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.

Conclusion

In summary, Zepbound is an innovative anti-obesity drug that has demonstrated significant weight loss outcomes and glycemic and lipid improvements in clinical evaluations thus far.

Additional long-term safety and efficacy data and further research into its potential advantages over existing therapies are needed. Still, current evidence indicates it may become a valuable treatment option for weight management and obesity-related metabolic dysfunction.

FAQs

Are Mounjaro and Zepbound the same?

Zepbound and Mounjaro share the same chemical composition but have been authorized for distinct medical conditions. Zepbound is intended for weight loss, while Mounjaro is prescribed for diabetes. In a similar way, Wegovy and Ozempic are essentially identical drugs, albeit with varying names and dosages tailored to specific conditions.

Are insurance companies covering Zepbound?

Many, but not all, insurance companies provide coverage for Zepbound. Your specific coverage depends on the plans available through your employer and your choices when selecting your annual benefits.

How long does it take to lose weight on Zepbound?

Many people begin to notice weight loss within a few weeks; however, the rate at which you lose weight depends on various factors. These include your starting weight, daily habit changes (such as alterations to your calorie intake and the amount of physical activity you engage in), and other variables.

How do I get a prescription for Zepbound?

To obtain a prescription for Zepbound, you will need to consult with a licensed healthcare professional. This could be a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner who can evaluate your specific health needs and determine if Zepbound is appropriate for you. They can prescribe the medication if they believe it is necessary and suitable for your condition.

How much does Zepbound cost?

If you don’t have insurance, Zepbound can be quite expensive. The retail price for a 1-month supply is approximately $1,060, but lower prices are available at select pharmacies. To help offset the cost, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound, offers a savings card program. This program allows eligible individuals without insurance to pay as little as $550 for a 1-month prescription.

The cost of Zepbound with insurance will vary depending on your specific insurance plan. It can range from no monthly cost with full coverage to higher amounts if your plan has partial coverage or deductible requirements. If you have insurance, you can still use the Zepbound savings card, which provides discounted prices starting at $25 for a 1-month or 3-month prescription.

Does Zepbound give you energy?

Zepbound enhances energy levels by triggering the release of specific hormones, facilitating active participation in physical activities.