Explainer
What to expect when taking tirzepatide
By the TreatmentMD editorial team
Key takeaways
- Tirzepatide is a once-a-week shot. You start on 2.5 mg for four weeks, then the dose steps up slowly so your body can adjust.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
- Weight loss builds over months. In the main study, people lost about 8% to 9% by three months. By about 17 months, it was about 15% to 21%, depending on the dose.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources2The New England Journal of MedicineRandomized trial · 2022SURMOUNT-1Mean body weight fell 20.9 percent at the 15 mg dose against 3.1 percent on placebo over 72 weeks.2,539 people · 72 weeks. Adults with BMI 30 or above, or 27 or above with at least one weight-related complication, without diabetes.Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. Jastreboff AM, et al., 2022.Read the study All sources
- An upset stomach is the most common side effect, mostly in the weeks after a dose increase, and a few simple habits help it settle.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
By the TreatmentMD editorial team
Starting a new medicine is easier when you know what's coming.
Here's a friendly walk-through of tirzepatide, the medicine in Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, from your first shot to the months that follow.
01The basics
What is tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a once-a-week shot for weight loss. It copies two hormones your gut releases after you eat, so you feel full sooner and less hungry between meals.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
It's sold as Zepbound®, approved for weight loss, and as Mounjaro®, approved for type 2 diabetes. They're the same medicine at the same strengths, so you'd only ever take one.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Whichever you take, a licensed clinician reviews your health first and sets your dose.
02Your weekly shot
How do you take tirzepatide?
You take it once a week, on the same day, at any time of day, with or without food.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Zepbound® comes in a few forms. There's a single-dose pen with the needle built in, a vial you draw up with a syringe, and a KwikPen that holds four weekly doses.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Ask your program or pharmacist to show you how yours works before your first dose. Air bubbles are normal, and there's no need to warm the pen first.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
You inject it just under the skin of your stomach or thigh. If someone helps you, the back of your upper arm works too.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Pick a slightly different spot each week. The medicine works the same wherever you inject it.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Keep it in the fridge, in its box. A pen or vial can stay out for up to 21 days if you travel, and a KwikPen for up to 30.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
03The dose ramp
How does the tirzepatide dose go up?
Slowly, on purpose. Starting low and stepping up gives your body time to adjust, which keeps side effects gentler.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Weeks 1 to 4: 2.5 mg
This is a starting dose, not one you stay on. It gets your body used to the medicine.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Weeks 5 to 8: 5 mg
Your first full dose. Some people stay here for the long term if it's working well.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Then, if you need it: up 2.5 mg at a time
Your clinician may step you up to 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 mg, with at least four weeks on each dose.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Your maintenance dose: 5, 10 or 15 mg
The dose you settle on, based on how you're doing and how you feel.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
There's no prize for climbing fast. If a step feels rough, your clinician can keep you on a dose longer, or step you back down.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
04Week by week
What happens in the first weeks and months?
Everyone's different, but here's the usual rhythm, with the average weight loss from the main study.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources3U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA. Clinical review of Zepbound® (tirzepatide), NDA 217806. November 2023.Open the source All sources
| Typical dose | What's common | |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 4 | 2.5 mg | Feeling less hungry. About 3% weight loss by week 4 |
| Weeks 5 to 8 | 5 mg | Stomach side effects, mostly after a step up. About 6% by week 8 |
| Months 3 and 4 | 5 mg, or stepping up | The busiest stretch for side effects, which then ease. About 8% to 9% by week 12 |
| Month 6 | Often your maintenance dose | About 12% to 15% |
| Months 9 to 12 | Your maintenance dose | Weight loss slows. About 15% to 20% |
| After a year | Your maintenance dose | Weight levels off. About 15% to 21% by about 17 months |
Many people notice less hunger in the first few weeks, and fewer cravings for rich, sugary foods.4Nature MedicineRandomized trial · 2025By week 3, people on tirzepatide ate less at a test meal and reported fewer cravings for high-fat foods, sweets and fast food than on placebo.114 people · 6 weeks. Adults with overweight or obesity, without diabetes. Funded by Eli Lilly.Tirzepatide on ingestive behavior in adults with overweight or obesity: a randomized 6-week phase 1 trial. Martin CK, et al., 2025.Read the study All sources
The medicine peaks about a day after each shot, and settles into a steady level after about four weeks.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
If the scale is slow at first, you're not alone. In the main study, about 1 in 5 people had lost less than 5% by week 12. Nine in 10 of them got there by the end.5Diabetes, Obesity and MetabolismRandomized trial · 2025SURMOUNT-1Of the 18% who had lost less than 5% by week 12, 90% reached 5% or more by week 72.1,545 people · 72 weeks. SURMOUNT-1 participants who took at least 75% of their doses. Funded by Eli Lilly.Weight reduction over time in tirzepatide-treated participants by early weight loss response: post hoc analysis in SURMOUNT-1. Ard J, et al., 2025.Read the study All sources
05Side effects
What side effects are common, and what helps?
The most common side effects are stomach-related, like nausea, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting. They're usually mild to moderate, show up mostly in the weeks after a dose increase, and ease over time.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources6Diabetes, Obesity and MetabolismRandomized trial · 2025SURMOUNT-1 to -4Stomach side effects were mostly mild to moderate and came mainly while doses were rising, and weight loss was similar with or without nausea.People in the four SURMOUNT trials, with and without type 2 diabetes. Funded by Eli Lilly.Gastrointestinal tolerability and weight reduction associated with tirzepatide in adults with obesity or overweight with and without type 2 diabetes in the SURMOUNT-1 to -4 trials. Rubino DM, et al., 2025.Read the study All sources
Feeling queasy isn't a sign it's working, either. In studies, people lost about the same amount of weight whether or not they had nausea.6Diabetes, Obesity and MetabolismRandomized trial · 2025SURMOUNT-1 to -4Stomach side effects were mostly mild to moderate and came mainly while doses were rising, and weight loss was similar with or without nausea.People in the four SURMOUNT trials, with and without type 2 diabetes. Funded by Eli Lilly.Gastrointestinal tolerability and weight reduction associated with tirzepatide in adults with obesity or overweight with and without type 2 diabetes in the SURMOUNT-1 to -4 trials. Rubino DM, et al., 2025.Read the study All sources
A few habits help:
Eat smaller meals
Try splitting three meals into four or more smaller ones.7Eli Lilly and CompanySourceLilly. Zepbound®: side effects, and tips for managing them. Checked October 6, 2026.Open the source All sources
Stop when you're full
Fullness can arrive sooner than you're used to, so pause and check in.7Eli Lilly and CompanySourceLilly. Zepbound®: side effects, and tips for managing them. Checked October 6, 2026.Open the source All sources
Go easy on fatty foods
Rich foods like butter, cheese or anything fried can be harder to handle, especially early on.7Eli Lilly and CompanySourceLilly. Zepbound®: side effects, and tips for managing them. Checked October 6, 2026.Open the source All sources8Obesity PillarsSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Obesity Pillars. 2025;15:100181.Open the source All sources
Keep bland foods handy
On a queasy day, toast, crackers or rice are easy on your stomach. Ginger or peppermint tea can help too.7Eli Lilly and CompanySourceLilly. Zepbound®: side effects, and tips for managing them. Checked October 6, 2026.Open the source All sources8Obesity PillarsSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Obesity Pillars. 2025;15:100181.Open the source All sources
Sip fluids through the day
Staying hydrated matters, especially if you've had an upset stomach.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Keep your care team in the loop
Tell your clinician how you're feeling, and let any doctor or dentist know you take tirzepatide, especially before a procedure.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
06Results
How much weight will you lose?
In the main study, people lost about 15% to 21% of their body weight on average over about 17 months, depending on the dose.2The New England Journal of MedicineRandomized trial · 2022SURMOUNT-1Mean body weight fell 20.9 percent at the 15 mg dose against 3.1 percent on placebo over 72 weeks.2,539 people · 72 weeks. Adults with BMI 30 or above, or 27 or above with at least one weight-related complication, without diabetes.Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. Jastreboff AM, et al., 2022.Read the study All sources
About 9 in 10 people lost at least 5% of their weight. On the higher doses, about half lost a fifth or more.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Everyone in the study also had diet and activity coaching, and results varied from person to person.
Most of the weight people lose is fat. Protein at every meal and strength training a few times a week help you keep your muscle.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources8Obesity PillarsSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Obesity Pillars. 2025;15:100181.Open the source All sources
Tirzepatide is usually a long-term treatment, and the results last while you take it. In a three-year follow-up of people who also had prediabetes, those who stayed on it were still about 12% to 20% lighter on average.9The New England Journal of MedicineRandomized trial · 2025SURMOUNT-1, three yearsAfter three years, people on tirzepatide were 12.3% to 19.7% lighter than when they started, against 1.3% on placebo.1,032 people · 176 weeks. SURMOUNT-1 participants who also had prediabetes. Funded by Eli Lilly.Tirzepatide for obesity treatment and diabetes prevention. Jastreboff AM, et al., 2025.Read the study All sources
If you stop, some weight often comes back, and some people move to a lower maintenance dose instead.10The LancetRandomized trial · 2026SURMOUNT-MAINTAINA year after stepping down to 5 mg, people had kept about two-thirds of the weight they lost, against about two-fifths of those switched to placebo.378 people · 112 weeks: 60 weeks of weight loss, then 52 of maintenance. Adults with obesity, or overweight and a weight-related condition, who lost at least 5% in the first 60 weeks. Funded by Eli Lilly.Tirzepatide for maintenance of bodyweight reduction in people with obesity in the USA (SURMOUNT-MAINTAIN): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Horn DB, et al., 2026.Read the study All sources
07Getting started
How do you get started with tirzepatide?
You'll need a prescription. Many people start with an online program: you answer some health questions, and a licensed clinician decides whether tirzepatide fits.
Paying cash, Zepbound® vials and KwikPens cost $299 a month for 2.5 mg and $399 for 5 mg. Higher doses are $449 when you refill on time, plus needles or syringes.11Eli Lilly and CompanySourceLillyDirect. Zepbound® (tirzepatide) self-pay prices. Checked October 6, 2026.Open the source All sources
Compounded tirzepatide at the programs we rank started at $89 a month, depending on the program and plan. We checked in late September and early October 2026.
If you have Medicare, the GLP-1 Bridge covers the Zepbound® KwikPen for $50 a month through 2027, for people who qualify.12Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ServicesSourceCMS. Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: information for providers. Checked October 6, 2026.Open the source All sources
We look at clinicians, pharmacies and pricing when we rank programs, so you can start with a shortlist.
Frequently asked questions.
Can I stay on 2.5 mg?
It's a starting dose, not one meant for the long term.
After four weeks, the plan is to move up to 5 mg, your first full dose.
If you're struggling, your clinician can give you more time before a step.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Does the shot hurt?
It's a small needle just under the skin, and the single-dose pen has it built in, so there's nothing to attach.
In studies, fewer than 1 in 10 people had a reaction where they injected, like redness or itching.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Why does my hunger come back before my next shot?
Some people notice their appetite creeping back toward the end of the week.
Stick to your weekly schedule rather than taking a dose early, and mention it to your clinician, who can adjust your plan.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
What if I miss a dose?
If it's within four days, take it as soon as you remember.
If it's been longer, skip it and take your next dose on your usual day.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
Does tirzepatide affect birth control pills?
It can make them less effective for a while.
Use a backup method, or switch to a non-pill method, for four weeks after you start and for four weeks after each dose increase.1U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.All sources
How is compounded tirzepatide taken?
Usually as a weekly shot, often from a vial that holds several doses, with your dose written in units on a syringe.
Units are a measure of volume, not milligrams, so ask your clinician or pharmacist to show you exactly how much to draw.13U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA. FDA's Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss. Content current as of October 1, 2026.Open the source All sources
A good program tells you which licensed pharmacy makes yours, so you can look it up.
Here's how compounded GLP-1s work.
The bottom line
Tirzepatide starts gently and builds over time, with the full results coming after a year or more.
A clinician who knows your health guides each step, from your first shot to your maintenance dose.
When you're ready, compare programs on our ranking.
By the TreatmentMD editorial team
Medical disclaimerThis content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any weight-loss program or medication. Individual results may vary.
Sources
- 1FDA prescribing information for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, with the Zepbound® Medication Guide and Instructions for Use: Dosage and Administration; Adverse Reactions; Drug Interactions; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies; How Supplied, Storage and Handling.
- 2Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216. doi.org
- 3FDA. Clinical review of Zepbound® (tirzepatide), NDA 217806. November 2023. fda.gov
- 4Martin CK, Carmichael OT, Carnell S, et al. Tirzepatide on ingestive behavior in adults with overweight or obesity: a randomized 6-week phase 1 trial. Nat Med. 2025;31(9):3141-3150. doi.org
- 5Ard J, Lee CJ, Gudzune K, et al. Weight reduction over time in tirzepatide-treated participants by early weight loss response: post hoc analysis in SURMOUNT-1. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2025;27(9):5064-5071. doi.org
- 6Rubino DM, Pedersen SD, Connery L, et al. Gastrointestinal tolerability and weight reduction associated with tirzepatide in adults with obesity or overweight with and without type 2 diabetes in the SURMOUNT-1 to -4 trials. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2025;27(4):1826-1835. doi.org
- 7Lilly. Zepbound®: side effects, and tips for managing them. Checked October 6, 2026. lilly.com
- 8Mozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Obesity Pillars. 2025;15:100181. nih.gov
- 9Jastreboff AM, le Roux CW, Stefanski A, et al. Tirzepatide for obesity treatment and diabetes prevention. N Engl J Med. 2025;392(10):958-971. doi.org
- 10Horn DB, Aronne LJ, Wharton S, et al. Tirzepatide for maintenance of bodyweight reduction in people with obesity in the USA (SURMOUNT-MAINTAIN). Lancet. 2026;407(10545):2305-2318. doi.org
- 11LillyDirect. Zepbound® (tirzepatide) self-pay prices. Checked October 6, 2026. lilly.com
- 12CMS. Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: information for providers. Checked October 6, 2026. cms.gov
- 13FDA. FDA's Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss. Content current as of October 1, 2026. fda.gov
Product information
- Zepbound® (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only injectable medication FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or adults with overweight who have at least one weight-related medical condition. It is also approved for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, and should be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Ozempic® (semaglutide) is a prescription-only injectable medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss; however, weight reduction has been observed in some individuals with type 2 diabetes using the medication.
- Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only injectable medication FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss; however, weight reduction has been observed in some individuals using the medication.
- Wegovy® (semaglutide) is a prescription-only injectable medication FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or adults with at least one weight-related medical condition, when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- All medications require a medical evaluation and prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Individual results may vary.
Important safety information
- Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are prepared by state-licensed pharmacies and are not FDA approved. The FDA does not review their safety, effectiveness or quality, and clinical trial results for brand-name drugs do not carry over to them.
- Semaglutide and tirzepatide carry a boxed warning for a risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, based on animal studies, and are not for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2, or who is pregnant. Other warnings include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and a higher risk of low blood sugar when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea. The most common side effects are digestive, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
- This is a high-level summary, not a complete list. A licensed clinician will review your health history to decide whether a GLP-1 medication is right for you.
