The Food and Drug Administration approved the weight loss drug tirzepatide, which will go by the brand name Zepbound, on Wednesday. It contains the same compound in the diabetes drug Mounjaro, and is expected to open the way for insurance coverage and more prescriptions due to its potential effectiveness.
Zepbound is the second drug in a new class of obesity medications to be approved for weight loss. It is now seen as one of the most effective treatments to combat obesity, aside from bariatric surgery.
Dr. Andrew Kraftson noted that demand for weight loss medications has increased dramatically and patients are likely to be eager to try this new drug.
Who qualifies for Zepbound?
The F.D.A. approved Zepbound for people with a body mass index of 30 or greater, or those with a BMI of 27 who also have certain weight-related conditions. Regulators recommended using the drug in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How does tirzepatide work for weight loss?
Zepbound, made by Eli Lilly, is the brand name for tirzepatide when used for weight loss. When the drug is prescribed for diabetes, it is sold under the brand name Mounjaro.
Tirzepatide slows down the emptying of the stomach, causing people to feel fuller, quicker and for longer. It also targets the area of the brain that regulates appetite.
In a 72-week clinical trial, participants taking the highest dose of tirzepatide lost around 18 percent of their body weight on average.
If I’m already taking Ozempic or Wegovy, should I switch?
Not everyone reacts to these medications in the same way, so it’s important to consult with a physician before making any changes.
People whose weight loss may be closely tied to other health outcomes may benefit more from losing a significant amount of weight on a drug like Zepbound.
What are the side effects?
In an Eli Lilly-funded study, gastrointestinal issues were the most common side effects of tirzepatide for obesity. The F.D.A. approval states that people taking Zepbound may also experience burping, hair loss and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Because tirzepatide is a new drug, its long-term effects are still largely unknown. People taking these drugs for weight loss typically are advised to stay on them for the rest of their lives.
