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Zepbound


Ozempic and Wegovy are the face for combating type 2 diabetes and obesity with the active ingredient, semaglutide. However, another of medication with the active ingredient tirzepatide has entered the spotlight.





Meet: Zepbound


Zepbound is the second obesity drug in a new class after Wegovy. FDA approved for the treatment of obesity, Zepbound has the same active ingredient as Mounjaro, a drug formulated to treat type 2 diabetes. Listed out-of-pocket at $1,086.37 per fill, long-term costs are a concern for most users. With this approval, insurance coverage may become more accessible, potentially increasing prescriptions.


Now considered one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for obesity, Zepbound is approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater or a BMI of 27 with weight-related conditions like high blood pressure. To maximize effectiveness, medical professionals recommend using Zepbound along with lifestyle modifications such as a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.


The active ingredient, tirzepatide, promotes weight loss by slowing stomach emptying and reducing appetite, mimicking two hormones in the body, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). This differs from semaglutide medications (Ozempic and Wegovy), which targets only target the GLP-1 hormone. In a study of over 2,500 participants reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, results showed the highest dose of tirzepatide lost an average of 18% of their body weight over 72 weeks. Although one might think, “Stronger is better,” in terms of efficacy between Zepbound and Wegovy, responses to these medications can vary. The mechanisms of Zepbound might not benefit its effectiveness for patients considering switching from Wegovy.


Coverage eligibility for Zepbound varies from each health insurance company, and is dependent on several factors, such as whether the patient has any weight-related diseases including type 2 diabetes or hypertension. 


Like its semaglutide counterparts, using Zepbound does commonly result in side effects. These include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.  As with other weight loss medications, lifelong use is recommended. However, long-term effects remain unclear. Senior patients risk muscle loss from excessive weight reduction, which also needs to be taken into consideration.  


The world of medical weight loss continues to evolve. Under Dr. Korman’s care, nonsurgical treatments for obesity such as Wegovy and Zepbound are available to patients who meet the requirements. 


For all nonsurgical treatments for obesity and bariatric procedure information, contact our staff for a consultation.

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