### What is Zepbound? Zepbound is a new medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management. It is a weekly injection that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which is also found in the type 2 diabetes drug Mounjaro. ### Who Can Use Zepbound? Zepbound is approved for use by adults who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related health issue such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. The FDA recommends using Zepbound along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. ### How Does Zepbound Work? Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, targets two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, that help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and send signals of fullness from the gut to the brain. This helps reduce hunger and can lead to significant weight loss. ### Effectiveness of Zepbound In studies, people using tirzepatide lost an average of 27% of their body weight over 72 weeks. This is comparable to the weight loss seen with bariatric surgery. Another study found that people lost an average of 21% of their body weight even without making lifestyle changes. ### Side Effects Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, and hair loss. There is also a rare but serious risk of thyroid tumors, so people with a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers should not use this drug. ### Cost and Availability Zepbound will be available in the United States by the end of the year and will cost $1,059.87 per month. However, many patients will pay less with insurance coverage and discounts. Eli Lilly, the drug developer, will offer a savings program to make it more affordable for those with and without insurance coverage.