Zepbound is an injectable prescription medicine that may help adults with obesity, or some adults with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, to lose excess body weight and keep the weight off.

For adults with obesity or with excess weight and weight-related medical problems, Zepbound works differently than other obesity management medications by activating 2 hormone receptors. It reduces appetite and food intake. Hormone receptors of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Zepbound is an injectable prescription medicine that may help adults with obesity, or some adults with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, to lose excess body weight and keep the weight off. Zepbound should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

If you miss a dose of Zepbound, take it as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours) of your scheduled dosing. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day. Do not take 2 doses of Zepbound within 3 days (72 hours) of each other.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that aids in weight loss and blood sugar management by regulating appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and enhancing feelings of fullness.

• Wegovy (Injection): FDA-approved for chronic weight management.
• Ozempic (Injection): FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes management, often used off-label for weight loss
• Rybelsus (Tablet): FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes management.

Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which is released in the gut after eating. It signals the brain to feel full, slows down stomach emptying, and stimulates insulin production, reducing appetite and blood sugar.

• Injections (Wegovy/Ozempic): Injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once a week into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
  
• Tablets (Rybelsus): Taken daily, on an empty stomach in the morning with up to 4 ounces of water, at least 30 minutes before food.

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, including:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Fatigue

In clinical studies, individuals taking 2.4 mg of Wegovy lost an average of ~35 lb (~15% of their starting body weight) compared to 6 lb with a placebo.

Semaglutide is designed for long-term use. Weight loss benefits may cease if the medication is stopped, as the appetite-suppressing effects wear off.

Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a rare thyroid cancer) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not take it.

Boxed warnings include a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Other potential, though rare, side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney damage, and vision changes.

Yes, but you should discuss this with your doctor. Stopping it may lead to weight regain and a return of higher blood sugar levels.

For injections, it is best to pick one day a week and use it at the same time, with or without meals.