Introduction

Zepbound is one of the newest and most powerful prescription weight loss medications on the market, offering patients a chance to lose up to 22.5% of their body weight.
FDA-approved in late 2023, Zepbound is rapidly becoming the first choice for doctors treating obesity—especially for people struggling with insulin resistance or who need to lose significant amounts of weight.

This guide covers exactly how Zepbound works, how much weight loss to expect, side effects, cost, and tips for getting started.

What Is Zepbound?

• Active Ingredient: Tirzepatide
• Drug Class: Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist
• Approval: FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with:
  • BMI ≥30, or
  • BMI ≥27 with a weight-related condition (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea)

Zepbound uses the same active ingredient as Mounjaro, but is specifically approved for weight loss.

How Zepbound Works for Weight Loss

Zepbound helps you lose weight by:

• Suppressing appetite – Helps you feel full faster and stay full longer
• Improving insulin sensitivity – Reduces fat storage and improves metabolic function
• Slowing digestion – Extends the time food stays in your stomach, leading to reduced calorie intake

Source: SURMOUNT-1 Clinical Trial

Zepbound’s dual hormone targeting (GIP + GLP-1) is why it’s often even more effective than medications like Wegovy.

How Much Weight Can You Lose with Zepbound?

Dosage Level	Average Weight Loss
5 mg/week	~15% body weight loss
10 mg/week	~18% body weight loss
15 mg/week	Up to 22.5% body weight loss

• Patients lost an average of 48–52 pounds over 72 weeks
• Some patients lost over 20% of their total body weight

Results are best when combined with healthy diet and exercise.

Dosing Schedule for Zepbound

Zepbound dosing starts low and gradually increases to minimize side effects:

Weeks	Dose
1–4	2.5 mg/week
5–8	5 mg/week
9–12	7.5 mg/week (optional)
13+	10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg/week

Doses are titrated based on tolerability and weight loss response.

Common Side Effects

Side Effect	Frequency
Nausea	Very common (early on)
Diarrhea or constipation	Common
Fatigue or headache	Possible
Decreased appetite	Expected
Gallbladder issues (rare)	Rare
Pancreatitis (very rare)	Very rare

Slow titration helps minimize nausea and other early digestive symptoms.

Cost of Zepbound

Source	Estimated Monthly Cost
U.S. Retail Pharmacies	~$1,060
With Savings Card	As low as $25 (if eligible)
Canadian Pharmacies	~$450–$500

Learn more: Zepbound Savings Card

Insurance Coverage for Zepbound

Some commercial insurance plans have started covering Zepbound now that it’s FDA-approved for weight loss.
Coverage is expanding, but may still require prior authorization or appeals.

Steps to improve your chances:

• Have a BMI ≥30 or BMI ≥27 with comorbidity
• Ask your doctor to submit a Letter of Medical Necessity
• Be prepared to appeal if denied

Tips for Getting Started on Zepbound

Work with a knowledgeable provider familiar with GLP-1 and GIP therapy
Start low and go slow with dose increases
Prepare for some early side effects, especially nausea
Track your weight, appetite, and side effects weekly
Stay consistent with nutrition and movement habits

Patients who combine medication with a structured lifestyle plan lose more weight and maintain it longer.

Final Thoughts

Zepbound is a game-changer for medical weight loss—offering higher weight loss percentages than any GLP-1–only medication available today.
While not everyone will need the highest dose, the flexibility and dual-action mechanism make Zepbound an incredibly powerful tool for sustainable fat loss and improved metabolic health.

Highest average weight loss available
Weekly, easy-to-use injection
Strong insurance support developing
Savings cards and Canadian options available

For personalized guidance on getting started with Zepbound, visit our Zepbound Support Hub.