Zepbound® is Eli Lilly’s brand-name tirzepatide, FDA-approved in November 2023 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27) with at least one weight-related condition. In late 2024, it was additionally approved for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. Zepbound® is the first and only FDA-approved medication that activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors for weight loss. Full prescribing info at zepbound.lilly.com.

In the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial, adults without diabetes lost an average of 15%, 19.5%, and 20.9% of body weight on 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg weekly tirzepatide over 72 weeks — the highest-dose group approached an average of 22.5% body weight reduction. Nine in ten participants on the 15 mg dose lost at least 5% of their body weight. That’s the strongest average weight loss ever recorded for an FDA-approved weight-management medication. Results may vary.

Zepbound® (tirzepatide) activates two gut hormone receptors — GLP-1 and GIP — while Wegovy® (semaglutide) activates only GLP-1. In head-to-head analysis, tirzepatide consistently produces greater average weight loss than semaglutide. Both are weekly subcutaneous injections. Side effect profiles overlap, but tirzepatide’s stronger mechanism can mean more pronounced GI side effects during titration for some patients.

Same active ingredient (tirzepatide), same manufacturer (Eli Lilly) — different FDA approvals. Zepbound® is approved for chronic weight management and sleep apnea. Mounjaro® is approved for type 2 diabetes. If weight loss is your goal and you don’t have type 2 diabetes, Zepbound® is the FDA-indicated product. Your provider will determine which is clinically appropriate based on your medical history.

Zepbound® is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection delivered by a single-dose pre-filled pen (also available as a multi-dose vial for select plans). Inject into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, same day each week, with or without food. The dose is titrated from 2.5 mg up to a target of 5, 10, or 15 mg weekly over 4–6 months to minimize side effects. Store unused pens in the refrigerator.

Zepbound® carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors — it is contraindicated in anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, and injection site reactions. Serious but rare risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney injury, and hypoglycemia (when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas). Zepbound® may also reduce oral contraceptive effectiveness. Not for use during pregnancy. See our Important Safety Information page for the full list.