How long does it take Zepbound (tirzepatide) to work?

If you’ve started taking Zepbound® (tirzepatide) but aren’t sure how long it takes for tirzepatide to work, there’s good news - you could see signs that it’s begun working at any time now.  Zepbound™ starts to take effect in an individual as soon as it is administered, but how soon an individual notices its effects will vary.

The dose of the medication is gradually increased each month so that the body can adjust to the medication while reducing the risk of more severe side effects that can occur if a higher dose is taken too soon. Some patients notice an immediate reduction in appetite while others require higher doses to have an effect. The time it takes for tirzepatide to work for weight loss depends on numerous factors including caloric intake, age, activity level, and other medications a person may be taking. Therefore, there is not a standard expected rate of weight loss. A recent study looked at patients who had already lost at least 5% of their body weight after 3 months of taking the medication along with intensive lifestyle changes. After taking Zepbound for 72 weeks, the same patients lost an average of 26.6% of their body weight.  

Why am I not losing weight on Zepbound?

If you’re wondering how long it takes for tirzepatide to work and haven’t seen results yet, it is important to discuss this with your medical provider. Typically, if a person has been taking Zepbound for at least 3 months and has not lost at least 5% of their starting weight, it is recommended to stop the medication.

Learn more about how Form Health can prescribe Zepbound for weight loss.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren Lemieux, MD, FACP, ABOM diplomate

Dr. Lauren Lemieux completed her Internal Medicine residency and fellowship in Clinical Nutrition at UCLA. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. She is also a fellow of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Lemieux is passionate about helping her patients reach their health goals using personalized nutrition, lifestyle and weight management strategies.

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Zepbound® and its delivery device base are registered trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.