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Zepbound or Wegovy – Which One Is Right For You?
Zepbound and Wegovy are both FDA approved for weight loss treatment. Despite sharing some side effects, these medications operate differently in their interaction with hormones in the body.
What is Zepbound?
Tirzepatide, marketed under the brand name Zepbound, is a once-weekly injectable medication for the treatment of obesity or overweight in adults. Zepbound is in a class of its own when it comes to weight loss medications. It is the first single molecule weight loss medication that has the ability to mimic two naturally occurring hormones in the body: Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These hormones help with blood sugar control but also assist in regulating appetite and cravings.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable medication classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Its mode of action involves replicating the natural hormone GLP-1 produced by our bodies, which has dual effects. GLP-1 stimulates insulin release from the pancreas, thereby lowering blood sugar levels, while also influencing the brain to decrease appetite and cravings.
Zepbound vs Wegovy: What Makes Them Different?
If you are considering discussing a prescription for Zepbound or Wegovy for weight loss with your doctor, it’s essential to delve deeper into these medications to determine which might be the best fit for you.
FDA Approval
Both Zepbound and Wegovy are FDA approved medications for weight loss treatment. Wegovy for weight loss was announced in June of 2021, and Zepbound more recently in November 2023. These medications are intended to be used in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Wegovy shares the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Ozempic®, an FDA-approved medication for type 2 diabetes. Similarly, Zepbound contains the same active ingredient (tirzepatide) as Mounjaro®, another medication used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Different Forms of Dosage
While both medications are weekly injections, they are administered via different doses and mechanisms. There are 5 doses of Wegovy® ranging from 0.25 mg- 2.4 mg. Typically, Wegovy is started at 0.25 mg dosage weekly for 4 weeks. The dose is increased every 4 weeks until the maximum dose of 2.4 mg weekly (Month 2: 0.5 mg weekly, Month 3: 1 mg weekly, Month 4: 1.7 mg weekly, Month 5 and beyond: 2.4 mg weekly).
Zepbound also offers several dosing options. Patients begin treatment on 2.5 mg weekly. After 4 weeks, if the medication is tolerated, the dose is increased to 5 mg. This continues every 4 weeks until a maximum dose of 15 mg weekly or a maximum tolerated dose is reached. (Month 2: 5 mg weekly, Month 3: 7.5 mg weekly, Month 4: 10 mg weekly, Month 5: 12.5 mg weekly, Monday 6 and beyond: 15 mg weekly).
Side Effects
Like all medications, both options carry potential risks of side effects that must be carefully considered.
Common side effects of both Zepbound and Wegovy for weight loss include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, and heartburn. Patients typically start on the lowest dose of the medication to allow the body to adjust, then gradually increase the dose with close monitoring for difficulty tolerating the medication. Rare but more serious potential side effects include gallbladder disease and pancreatitis. It is always important to monitor for side effects and discuss with your healthcare provider should they arise. Zepbound and Wegovy should not be used if you are pregnant or have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2A/2B syndrome. It has also been shown to increase the risk of stomach paralysis and potential for mood disorders.
Weight Loss Results
The amount of weight one can lose while taking Zepbound or Wegovy for weight loss will vary from person to person as weight loss is influenced by a variety of factors including nutrition, physical activity, medical history, and other medications you may be taking. Zepbound (tirzepatide) has shown the greatest weight loss achieved with any medication to date.
Selecting Between Zepbound and Wegovy: Which Option is Right for You?
Both Zepbound and Wegovy can be highly effective medications in helping patients achieve weight loss success. Selecting a weight loss medication is a personalized choice that involves collaboration between the patient and their healthcare provider. The decision is influenced by factors like the patient’s medical background, existing medications, financial considerations, and insurance coverage.
Navigating Your Weight Loss Journey with Zepbound or Wegovy
If you are interested in achieving sustainable weight loss, but you aren’t sure how to get started, InShapeMD can help. Call today to book a complimentary 704-817-9833 or book you in-office consultation today!
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