Zepbound

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved prescription medication used for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who have weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It is a once-weekly injectable medication that works by mimicking two naturally occurring hormones—GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). These hormones help regulate appetite, slow digestion, and improve blood sugar control, leading to reduced calorie intake and weight loss.

Zepbound is typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is not intended for people with a history of certain medical conditions, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.

TIRZEPATIDE

Zepbound and tirzepatide are closely related, but there’s an important distinction:

Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in both Zepbound and Mounjaro. It is a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist that helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.

Zepbound is the brand name for tirzepatide when prescribed specifically for weight loss (obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions). It was approved by the FDA for weight management in late 2023.

Mounjaro, another brand of tirzepatide, is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes but is also sometimes used off-label for weight loss.

Both medications work the same way, but Zepbound is marketed and dosed specifically for weight management, while Mounjaro is for diabetes treatment.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and decreased appetite.

OZEMPIC

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved prescription medication primarily used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This helps regulate blood sugar levels, slow digestion, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss.

Ozempic is administered as a once-weekly injection and is often prescribed alongside diet and exercise. While it is not specifically approved for weight loss, many patients experience weight reduction as a side effect. A higher-dose version of semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy, is FDA-approved for chronic weight management.

Common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and decreased appetite. It is not recommended for individuals with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.

SEMAGLUTIDE

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist that helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which slows digestion, decreases hunger, and increases insulin production.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in:

• Ozempic – FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management
• Wegovy – FDA-approved for chronic weight management
• Rybelsus – Oral version for type 2 diabetes
  

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Key Differences: Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide

Bottom Line:

• Tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) may offer better weight loss and blood sugar control due to its dual-action (GIP + GLP-1) mechanism.
• Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) is effective but only targets GLP-1, leading to slightly lower weight loss results.