From the Research
Zepbound has been approved by the FDA to treat obesity or overweight in adults who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. The medication contains tirzepatide, which works by mimicking two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) that regulate hunger and feelings of fullness. It is specifically indicated for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater (obesity), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) who also have at least one weight-related medical condition.
Key Points
- Zepbound is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, with the dose typically starting low and gradually increasing over time to minimize gastrointestinal side effects 1.
- The medication works by helping patients feel fuller longer, reducing hunger signals, and slowing stomach emptying, which collectively leads to reduced caloric intake and weight loss 2.
- It must be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for optimal results.
- Tirzepatide has been shown to be effective in reducing HbA1c and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes, with a dose-dependent superiority in lowering HbA1c and reducing body weight compared to placebo, GLP-1 RAs, and basal insulin regimens 3.
- The most common adverse events associated with tirzepatide are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with a higher incidence of these events at higher doses 4.
Important Considerations
- Tirzepatide has been associated with a lower risk of hypoglycaemia compared to basal insulin regimens, but a higher incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events 3.
- The medication has been shown to be safe in terms of serious adverse events and mortality, but may lead to a higher discontinuation rate of study medication due to adverse events, particularly at higher doses 3.