If you've made it here, you've probably heard about the new Zepbound weight loss injection . If you haven't heard of it yet, it's time to pay attention because this drug is quickly becoming a buzzword in the weight loss world . Zepbound offers a unique approach to combating obesity and its associated health complications and appears to be a game changer for effective and sustainable weight loss . In this article , you'll learn everything you need to know about Zepbound :
- what it exactly is,
- how it helps with weight loss,
- how to use it,
- what results you can expect,
- what side effects you should look out for,
- Zepbound Price,
- and much more!
Keep your Zepbound injections cool with 4AllFamily's medical travel coolers!
What is Zepbound?
Ok, we have a lot to say about Zepbound. But let's take it one thing at a time and start by making sure we all understand what Zepbound is before diving into its results, applications, and more.
The Mounjaro active ingredient tirzepatide achieved an average weight loss of 21% in studies. In the USA, tirzepatide has now been approved as a "weight loss injection" under the name Zepbound. In Germany, tirzepatide was approved for the treatment of obesity in January 2024. The manufacturer uses the brand name Mounjaro for the "weight loss injection" in this country for the treatment of both obesity and diabetes. Tirzepatide is not available in Germany under the name Zepbound.
In short, Zepbound is:
- The newest weight loss drug approved in the US and potentially a real breakthrough in the treatment of obesity.
- A brand name for tirzepatide , a unique dual-action medication that targets two important hormone receptors.
- The brand name for Tirzepatide in Germany is Mounjaro.
- Unlike other weight loss injections like Wegovy or Saxenda.
Zepbound approved in Germany. The newest approved injection for weight loss
Zepbound, recently approved in the United States by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on November 8, 2023, is an injectable prescription medication specifically designed for adults who struggle with obesity or are overweight and have health issues related to their weight.
In Germany, it has also been approved for the treatment of obesity , although the manufacturer uses the brand name Mounjaro for the 'weight loss injection' in this country.
What's special about Zepbound is that it's the first of its kind - a dual-action drug that works on both the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors. I'll explain this below, but basically it means that Zepbound attacks weight loss on two fronts for even better results.
The importance of the US FDA approval of Zepbound cannot be overstated. It represents a new, effective tool in the fight against obesity and its numerous health complications . But let's take a look at what exactly it contains and how exactly it helps with weight loss.
Tirzepatide, the first dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist
At the heart of Zepbound’s effectiveness is tirzepatide , a molecule that has been extensively researched and developed in recent years.
Tirzepatide is the first ever dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist . Its scientific development began with the understanding of how certain hormones in the body regulate appetite and insulin production . Tirzepatide works by mimicking the action of GIP and GLP-1, two hormones that are naturally involved in our metabolism. Yes, I know that doesn't sound English at all... but don't worry, I'll explain it to you:
- GIP stands for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. This hormone promotes insulin secretion and reduces glucagon secretion , thereby keeping blood sugar levels under control.
- GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone reduces appetite and thus food intake.
By activating both of our receptors for GIP and GLP-1, Tirzepatide effectively helps control blood sugar levels and reduces appetite, making weight loss easier. Think of Zepbound as a master of disguise, tricking the body into thinking it has more of these hormones than it actually does . This means you feel less hungry and your body can handle sugar better - a double win for weight loss!
This dual mechanism of action is a key differentiator of tirzepatide , setting it apart from other weight loss drugs that target only one of these two hormones and only a single aspect of metabolic regulation.
Zepbound vs. Mounjaro
Mounjaro is another injection you've probably heard of. It's made by the same company as Zepbound (Eli Lilly and Company). And guess what: it contains the same active ingredient as Zepbound , which is tirzepatide.
So why are there two different drugs from the same company and with the same active ingredient? Well, the answer lies in the different FDA approvals in the US, uses and dosages.
Mounjaro is only approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and benefits from tirzepatide's ability to control blood sugar levels and its weight-reducing properties as a side effect. Zepbound, on the other hand, has been approved specifically for weight loss .
This distinction reflects the versatility of tirzepatide and underscores the importance of using these medications under medical supervision to ensure they are used appropriately for the specific conditions.
Please note that, as previously mentioned, Zepbound is only available in the USA and the active ingredient Tirzepatide is sold under the brand name Mounjaro in Germany.
If you would like to learn more about Mounjaro in Germany, we recommend you read our article about Mounjaro !
Who is suitable for the Zepbound weight loss injection?
Less than a month after its approval , Zepbound is already a highly sought-after weight loss treatment in the United States , giving hope to many people who struggle with obesity or overweight without much success from other medications.
But Zepbound is not a one size fits all solution . It is a powerful drug that must be taken under strict medical supervision and can only be prescribed to certain groups approved by the FDA .
First, Zepbound is only approved for chronic weight management in adults . No children. Also, there are some criteria that must be met for a Zepbound prescription:
- Adults with obesity with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more or
- Overweight adults with weight-related health problems : Zepbound is also approved for adults who are overweight (BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher) and have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia.
Also, you should be aware that Zepbound is not intended for cosmetic weight loss or for people who want to lose a few pounds for aesthetic reasons. Its approval is aimed at people for whom weight loss is medically necessary to improve their health.
Finally , the suitability of Zepbound should be checked by a doctor . The preparation is prescription-only and should be used under constant medical supervision to monitor its effectiveness and possible side effects.
How does the Zepbound syringe help with weight loss?
When it comes to understanding how Zepbound can help you shed those extra pounds, it comes down to the different mechanisms of action . It's not just about suppressing hunger or burning fat . Zepbound works on a more complex level of hormonal interaction and regulation, which I will try to explain in an easy-to-understand way below:
Reduced appetite and reduced food intake
As mentioned, tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone that reduces appetite and food intake . And this is where Zepbound really shines in the weight loss department.
By mimicking this hormone, Zepbound makes you feel fuller for longer, thereby reducing overall calorie intake . In addition, GLP-1 is also known to slow down gastric emptying, meaning food stays in the stomach longer, helping to control cravings and reduce snacking, which in turn efficiently contributes to your weight loss.
Reduced fat storage and increased metabolism
As a reminder, tirzepatide is a dual drug that not only activates GLP-1 receptors, but is also a GIP receptor agonist. GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) is a hormone involved in insulin secretion .
So when Zepbound activates the GIP receptors, it increases the body's ability to produce insulin in response to high blood sugar levels. Not only does this contribute to better blood sugar control, but it also indirectly affects weight , as improved insulin sensitivity is associated with less fat storage and better energy utilization.
Bonus: the synergistic effect on weight loss
And as a bonus, Zepbound's dual activation of the GIP and GLP-1 receptors creates a synergistic effect. Not only will your appetite be reduced, but your body will also be better able to manage the sugars it ingests and stores while your metabolic function improves.
In other words, Zepbound approaches weight loss from multiple angles. It's not just about eating less, but also about how your body handles what you eat and the hormonal signals that regulate hunger and satiety. It's like entering a virtuous circle, and this two-pronged approach is what makes Zepbound such a powerful and unique weight management tool.
Effect of Zepbound
And now the answer to the question we've all been waiting for: How much weight can you lose with Zepbound? Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all answer here, as everyone reacts differently to all medications.
The results you can expect from taking Zepbound depend not only on the drug, but on a variety of individual factors, such as your starting weight, your adherence to treatment, your body's response, and your lifestyle and diet, to name a few.
How do you use a Zepbound Pen?
Remember that in the US, Zepbound should also only be used with a doctor's prescription and under medical supervision . If a doctor decides that Zepbound is suitable as a way to lose weight, he or she will show the patient in detail how to inject the new drug and provide instructions on how to handle it at home.
You can find a general guide for using Zepbound here :
Zepbound Dosage - Subcutaneous Injections
Zepbound is administered by subcutaneous injections , meaning it is injected into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin. Common injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm .
Zepbound comes in a prefilled, easy-to-use injection pen designed to make injection as simple and painless as possible.
Zepbound is usually injected once a week . It is currently available in 6 different dosages (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg). The dose usually starts at the lowest level and is gradually increased on the advice of the doctor.
In combination with diet and exercise
Although Zepbound shows great results in weight loss, it must be used along with a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise , to achieve optimal results.
A doctor will most likely recommend a low-calorie but nutrient-dense diet , including whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables. Processed foods, sugary drinks and high-fat products should definitely be reduced .
You should exercise as much as possible. A mix of endurance training and strength training is ideal. You should do at least 150 minutes of endurance training per week and strength training on two or more days per week.
Of course, these recommendations for diet and physical activity must be adapted to the current lifestyle and performance level.
Storage and Safekeeping of Zepbound
There is something else that is very important to know if you have been prescribed Zepbound: the storage instructions. The active ingredient tirzepatide is a biological medicine that is very sensitive to heat and light.
To ensure its effectiveness and safe use, the manufacturer recommends storing Zepbound pens as follows:
- Zepbound pens should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C .
- Avoid freezing pens . Once a pen is frozen, it cannot be used even if it is thawed afterwards.
- Keep Zepbound away from direct light .
- Allow the pen to reach room temperature for about 30 minutes before each use. This will make the injection more comfortable than injecting cold medication from the refrigerator.
- Once a pen is in use, it must be stored at room temperature up to 30°C but should be used within a maximum of 21 days .
- Do not put Zepbound back in the refrigerator once it has reached room temperature.
- Discard any Zepbound pen that has not been refrigerated for more than 21 days.
When traveling with Zepbound, be sure to use a medical travel cooler bag , like the one from 4AllFamily , which can keep your injections cool from a few hours to several days while traveling , even without electricity.
And remember that failure to follow correct Zepbound storage may deteriorate your medication, reduce the effectiveness of your treatment , and endanger your health.
Side Effects & Precautions
If you are considering Zepbound for your obesity treatment or as part of your weight management plan, you must also be aware of the potential side effects . As with all medications, the balance of benefits and risks should be evaluated with the help of your doctor.
Zepbound has been approved by the FDA only in the United States , so it is considered a safe drug when taken within its official use and as directed. However, all drugs have possible side effects, and knowing them can help you avoid complications.
Zepbound has not yet been approved in Germany , so you must speak to your doctor and ask whether treatment with Mounjaro is possible for you. Mounjaro contains the same active ingredient as Zepbound.
The side effects of Zepbound
Although not everyone experiences them, the following common side effects may occur when taking Zepbound:
- Gastrointestinal problems , including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These symptoms are often most severe at the beginning of treatment and may decrease over time.
- Reactions at the injection site , such as redness, swelling, or pain. Rotating the injection site may help minimize these reactions.
- Fatigue , exhaustion or weakness may also occur.
- Headaches , especially in the initial phase of treatment.
- Allergic reactions
- burping
- hair loss
- heartburn
In addition, Zepbound can also cause serious, although less common, side effects , including:
- Severe stomach problems
- kidney failure
- problems with the gallbladder
- pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Severe allergic reactions
- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- changes in vision
- depression or suicidal thoughts
The list of side effects caused by Zepbound is not exhaustive, and keep in mind that although Tirzepatide has been clinically tested, it is still a relatively new medicine, so if you feel unwell or have any unusual symptoms, or if something doesn't feel right while taking Zepbound, talk to your doctor immediately.
contraindications
Zepbound is not suitable for everyone, and there are certain situations in which its use is contraindicated:
- If you personally or your family has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma .
- If you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- If you have a known allergy to tirzepatide or any component of the Zepbound formulation.
Additionally, the effects of Zepbound on pregnancy and breastfeeding are not yet well known, so it is best to avoid using it during these periods. Additionally , Zepbound is not approved for children and therefore should not be used in pediatric patients.
What are the Zepbound costs and prices ?
The cost of Zepbound varies depending on where you buy it in the US, as well as your health insurance coverage or potential discounts. Here's a breakdown of the pricing information I could find online:
- Zepbound has a list price of $1,059.87 in the US . That's the price set by Eli Lilly, the manufacturer. It's about 20% cheaper than comparable weight loss treatments like Wegovy.
- At some popular retailers like Walmart and Walgreens , the retail price of Zepbound is around $1,272 .
Please remember that Zepbound is not available in Germany , but the active ingredient Tirzepatide is sold under the brand name Mounjaro. However, Mounjaro is prescription-only , so you need a prescription from your doctor. The costs for Mounjaro can then be covered by your health insurance company.
And that’s it for our complete guide on Zepbound , but we will continue to write about this new drug in future articles, so stay tuned!
We would love to hear from you if you have already tried Zepbound or if you have any questions about this new weight loss injection. Let us know what you think and ask your questions in the comments below!
