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How does Zepbound work?
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a new prescription medication approved by the FDA to help people with obesity or weight-related health conditions reach and maintain a healthier weight. But how exactly does Zepbound work, and is it the right choice for you? Let’s dive into the science behind Zepbound and what you can expect from this treatment.
How does Zepbound work for weight loss?
Zepbound is a once-weekly injection that uses the active ingredient tirzepatide, which works on two gut hormone receptors: GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). These hormones help your body manage appetite and regulate blood sugar levels.
Here’s how it works in simple terms:
Reduces Appetite: By activating GLP-1 receptors, Zepbound helps you feel full sooner and for longer after meals, leading to reduced calorie intake.
Slows Digestion: Zepbound slows the movement of food through the stomach, helping you feel fuller for longer and reducing the urge to snack.
Improves Blood Sugar Control: By promoting insulin production and reducing glucose release from the liver, Zepbound can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Together, these effects help you eat less, reduce calorie intake, and lose weight effectively.
How long does it take Zepbound to work?
Many people begin seeing results within the first four weeks of using Zepbound, as this is roughly how long it takes for the medication to reach steady levels in the body. Clinical trials indicate that the most noticeable weight loss occurs within the first 8–9 months. However, people continue to lose weight throughout the treatment period.
How long does Zepbound stay in your system?
Zepbound has a half-life of about five days, meaning it takes around five days for the body to reduce its presence by half. After a weekly dose, small traces may remain in the body for up to 25 days. This extended duration is why Zepbound is taken only once a week.
How much weight do people lose with Zepbound?
In clinical trials, Zepbound users lost 15% to 20% of their starting body weight, depending on the dose. In terms of pounds, this averaged 34 to 48 pounds of weight loss. Those on the highest dose (15 mg) experienced the most significant weight reduction.
How long do you have to take Zepbound?
Zepbound is designed for long-term use. Research shows that users maintain weight loss best with continued treatment. However, those who stop using Zepbound tend to regain some weight. If you’re considering stopping, talk to your doctor about a plan to maintain weight loss effectively.
How does Zepbound reduce weight?
Zepbound’s dual-action on GIP and GLP-1 receptors is unique. While GLP-1 helps control appetite and slows down digestion, GIP may further influence appetite reduction when paired with GLP-1, based on nonclinical studies. This combination helps reduce calorie intake and targets body fat while preserving lean muscle mass.
Is Zepbound right for me?
Zepbound is intended for adults who have either:
A BMI of 30 or higher (classified as obesity)
A BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
At Imbue, we believe that weight loss care should take into account your complete health history, not just your current BMI. When prescribing Zepbound, our providers consider your historical BMI trends to gain a deeper understanding of your long-term health journey. This approach ensures that our recommendations are tailored to your unique needs, helping you achieve sustainable and meaningful results.
How was Zepbound studied for weight loss?
Zepbound’s effectiveness and safety were studied in two large clinical trials, SURMOUNT-1 and SURMOUNT-2. SURMOUNT-1 included adults with obesity, and SURMOUNT-2 included people with type 2 diabetes. Both groups lost significantly more weight with Zepbound than with a placebo. Importantly, weight loss results were consistent across different ages, races, and health backgrounds.
What were the main benefits of Zepbound seen in studies?
The trials showed impressive results:
5% weight loss: 85%–91% of users achieved this.
15% weight loss: 48%–71% of users achieved this, depending on the dose.
20% weight loss: Up to 57% of users reached this milestone with the highest dose (15 mg).
What were the main benefits of Zepbound seen in studies?
Common side effects include:
Digestive issues: nausea, diarrhea, constipation
Fatigue
Injection site reactions
To manage digestive side effects, try smaller, more frequent meals, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy, greasy foods. For injection site reactions, consult your doctor for advice on treatment, like using over-the-counter creams or antihistamines.
How do I know if Zepbound is working?
You may start noticing weight loss within a few weeks, but your doctor will regularly monitor your progress and adjust the dose if necessary. Be patient, as the most substantial results often occur within the first 8–9 months.
How do other medicines interact with Zepbound?
Zepbound may interact with certain medications, especially those for blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Some drugs may take longer to be absorbed due to Zepbound slowing digestion, so it’s essential to inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you take.
FAQs about Zepbound
Q: How do Zepbound's side effects compare with Wegovy’s?
A: Both Zepbound and Wegovy are weight-loss drugs and have similar digestive side effects, like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both drugs also carry a boxed warning for a potential thyroid cancer risk.
Q: Does Zepbound cause long-term side effects?
A: Long-term side effects haven’t been reported in Zepbound studies. However, talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about the long-term use of the medication.
Q: Can I drink alcohol while on Zepbound?
A: There are no known interactions between alcohol and Zepbound. However, consult your doctor to determine how much alcohol is safe to consume during treatment.
Q: Is Zepbound safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
A: Zepbound isn’t recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus. It’s also not known if it’s safe while breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor for alternative weight-loss options.
FAQs about Imbue
Q: What is Imbue?
A: Imbue provides virtual direct-to-consumer weight-loss services, focusing on helping patients achieve their goals through personalized plans, including lifestyle guidance and medication support. Our program includes an initial assessment, regular check-ins, and ongoing support, and emphasizes sustainable lifestyle changes alongside medications like Zepbound and Wegovy for those who qualify.
Q: What is included in Imbue’s weight loss service?
A: Imbue offers a monthly subscription priced at $49.99, which includes personalized support and guidance on weight management, separate from medication costs.
Q: Does Imbue offer medications like Zepbound or Wegovy?
A: Imbue utilizes LillyDirect and NovoCare to offer customers discounted Zepbound and Wegovy, priced from $349 to $499 monthly.
