Weight loss can be an uphill battle, especially when diet and exercise alone aren’t giving you the results you need. If you've been struggling to lose weight, or if health conditions like high blood pressure or kidney disease are complicating your journey, you may be looking for an extra push to help you reach your goals. Enter Zepbound, a newly approved weight loss medication that could be the solution you've been seeking.

At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we are dedicated to providing treatments that address your specific health needs, and Zepbound is one of the latest advancements in weight loss therapy that we offer. In this article, we’ll guide you through what Zepbound is, how it works, who it's for, and what you can expect when starting this medication. Keep reading to discover how Zepbound can potentially transform your weight loss journey.

What is Zepbound?

Zepbound is a prescription weight loss medication based on tirzepatide, which acts on two essential hormones—GLP-1 and GIP—to control appetite and digestion. The primary benefit of Zepbound is that it helps you feel fuller sooner and stay full for longer, making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet. By slowing digestion, the medication gives your body more time to process food, helping reduce your overall calorie intake without making you feel deprived.

Zepbound is specifically designed for adults who struggle with obesity or are overweight with weight-related conditions. It’s injected once weekly using a pre-filled pen that makes it easy to administer. The effects of Zepbound extend beyond appetite control; it also helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a potentially useful medication for those with type 2 diabetes.

Who can use Zepbound?

Zepbound is intended for adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, which classifies them as obese. However, it can also be used by individuals with a BMI of 27 or above who have weight-related health issues, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or kidney disease. These conditions often complicate weight loss, and Zepbound offers a medical solution to those who need more than just diet and exercise.

It's important to note that Zepbound is not a standalone solution. The medication works best with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. This approach is vital for long-term success, as Zepbound helps you establish healthier habits while addressing the biological factors contributing to weight gain.

Who should avoid Zepbound?

While Zepbound is a highly effective weight loss solution for many, it isn’t suitable for everyone. You should avoid Zepbound if you are taking medications that contain tirzepatide or similar GLP-1 agonists for weight loss or diabetes management. Additionally, if you have a history of pancreatitis—a condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas—Zepbound may not be safe for you. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication to ensure it’s the right fit for your health profile.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use Zepbound, as its effects on pregnancy and infants have not been thoroughly studied. Also, people with a family history of thyroid cancer or certain types of endocrine tumors should avoid this medication due to its potential risks.

Potential side effects of Zepbound

Like all medications, Zepbound comes with potential side effects, which can range from mild to severe. Common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort, especially when you first start the medication. These symptoms often diminish over time as your body adjusts to the medication.

However, there are more serious risks associated with Zepbound, such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and thyroid cancer. The FDA has issued a boxed warning regarding the potential risk of thyroid tumors with tirzepatide-based medications. While these severe side effects are rare, it’s crucial to discuss your medical history with your doctor to assess any personal risks before starting Zepbound.

How to take Zepbound

Zepbound is administered once per week via a pre-filled injection pen, which you can self-inject after receiving proper instructions from your provider. The injection sites include your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and it's important to rotate injection sites to minimize skin irritation.

Consistency is key when taking Zepbound. You should inject the medication at the same time each week to maintain steady levels of the drug in your system. If you miss a dose, inject as soon as possible, but avoid doubling up doses, as this can lead to severe side effects.

How fast can you expect results?

Results with Zepbound vary from person to person, but most people begin to notice changes within a few weeks of starting the medication. However, the speed of your results depends on whether you're making lifestyle changes alongside taking Zepbound. If you follow a reduced-calorie diet and exercise regularly, you will likely see faster and more significant progress.

On average, patients using tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, have lost between 15% to 22.5% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks. This means that if you weigh 200 pounds, you could expect to lose anywhere from 30 to 45 pounds or more, depending on your lifestyle habits and how well you respond to the treatment.

Best daily habits while on Zepbound

To maximize your success with Zepbound, it’s essential to adopt healthy habits that complement the medication’s effects. Here are three habits we recommend to all our Zepbound patients at Genesis Lifestyle Medicine:

• Take a medical-grade probiotic: Gut health plays a significant role in metabolism, and we recommend taking a probiotic like Korbiotic while on Zepbound to enhance digestive health.
• Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is crucial for keeping your metabolism running efficiently and preventing constipation, a common side effect of GLP-1 medications.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity not only accelerates weight loss but also improves your mood and overall well-being while on Zepbound.

If you’ve been struggling to lose weight and are looking for a safe, effective medical solution, Zepbound may be the answer you’ve been searching for. This newly approved tirzepatide-based medication has shown remarkable results in helping people reduce their appetite, feel fuller longer, and ultimately shed pounds more quickly. At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we guide you every step of the way, offering personalized care that fits your unique health needs. Contact us today to learn how Zepbound can help you achieve lasting weight loss.