What We Know About Zepbound, The New Weight Loss Drug Hitting the Shelves Soon

The FDA recently approved a new drug called Zepbound that’s expected to hit the shelves before Christmas and promises to be one of the most effective weight management medications on the market. It’s from Eli Lilly, maker of the uber popular drug Mounjaro, and belongs to the same class of medications as both Mounjaro and Ozempic. These GLP-1 medications gained popularity by helping those with diabetes control their blood sugar levels, but most notably for their weight-loss inducing side effect.

For Zepbound, manufacturers used tirzepatide, the same active ingredient found in Mounjaro, to mimic a hormone that helps reduce food cravings. While similar drugs Ozempic and Wegovy feature semaglutide as their active ingredient, tirzepatide imitates a second hormone called GIP that not only suppresses appetite, but also improves the body’s ability to break down sugar and fat which helps to increase weight loss.

Zepbound has been approved for use in those at least 18 years of age with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30, or with a BMI of 27 or higher plus a weight-related condition like heart disease, high blood pressure or sleep apnea to name a few.

As with any medication, there are side effects to look out for. Clinical trials of Zepbound found side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and constipation, which were also reported with similar tirzepatide drugs. Zepbound can also cause hair loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), belching or burping.

While it’s too soon to tell how insurance companies will respond to this new weight loss option, the drug’s manufacturer will be offering a savings card program that could help lower the cost of the drug. Talk to your doctor about whether weight loss medications, in conjunction with diet and exercise, might be a good option for you.