Does Zepbound cause food aversion?

Food Aversion with Zepbound (Tirzepatide)

Yes, Zepbound (tirzepatide) can cause food aversion as part of its mechanism of action and side effect profile. Food aversion is recognized as one of the learned behaviors that can develop in patients taking GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists like Zepbound 1.

Mechanism of Food Aversion with Zepbound

• Zepbound is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor co-agonist that affects appetite regulation centers in the brain, specifically targeting regions that regulate food intake 2
• The medication works by activating receptors that are key mediators of insulin secretion but are also expressed in brain regions that regulate food intake and satiety 2
• Food aversion is listed among the "learned behaviors" that can develop in patients with gastroparesis-like symptoms, which can be medication-induced by GLP-1 agonists 1

Common Gastrointestinal Side Effects That May Contribute to Food Aversion

Zepbound's FDA label lists several gastrointestinal side effects that may contribute to food aversion:

• Nausea (most common side effect) 3
• Vomiting 3
• Diarrhea 3
• Constipation 3
• Abdominal pain 3
• Indigestion 3

Clinical Significance and Management

• Food aversion with Zepbound appears to be part of its therapeutic mechanism, contributing to the significant weight loss effects (15-20.9% of body weight at 72 weeks) 1
• The medication can cause severe stomach problems in some patients, which may reinforce food aversion behaviors 3
• Food aversion may be more pronounced at higher doses, as gastrointestinal side effects tend to be dose-dependent 2
• Unlike some medications (such as ziprasidone) that require food for optimal absorption 4, 5, 6, Zepbound does not have specific food requirements for administration

Potential Complications

• In rare cases, severe gastrointestinal motility complications have been reported, including functional small bowel obstruction, even in patients without predisposing risk factors 7
• Kidney problems may occur due to dehydration from gastrointestinal side effects, making adequate fluid intake important 3
• Gallbladder problems have been reported in some patients using Zepbound 3
• Pancreatitis is a potential serious adverse effect that requires immediate discontinuation of the medication 3

Recommendations for Patients

• Patients should be informed about the potential for food aversion before starting Zepbound
• Adequate hydration is important to prevent complications from gastrointestinal side effects 3
• Patients should report severe or persistent stomach problems to their healthcare provider 3
• Dose titration should be followed according to the prescribing information to minimize side effects 3
• Rotation of injection sites is recommended with each weekly dose 3

Food aversion with Zepbound should be monitored as part of the overall assessment of the medication's efficacy and tolerability in weight management.