How long does it take Zepbound (tirzepatide) to start working?
Reviewed by Yael Cooperman, MD, Ro,
Written by Health Guide Team
last updated: Dec 18, 2023
2 min read
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Here's what we'll cover
Zepbound (tirzepatide) starts to work on a cellular level relatively quickly after you start using the medication, but it could be a few weeks until you start to feel changes in your appetite and sometimes a few weeks more until you begin to see weight loss results. We spoke to Dr. Yael Cooperman, M.D., about how long it takes for Zepbound to start working.
Zepbound Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
How long does it take to lose weight on Zepbound?
It can take a few weeks to start noticing changes in your appetite and weight if you use Zepbound. Your doctor will initially prescribe a low starting dose of Zepbound and then gradually increase your dose over the next few weeks and months to minimize side effects while maximizing your weight loss on the medication. Many people start to notice weight loss within a few weeks, but the speed at which you lose weight will depend on a range of factors, including your starting weight, your daily habit changes (including changes to your calorie intake and how much physical activity you get), and other factors like any underlying conditions you might have.
In one major trial of Zepbound, which examined patients with a BMI of 30 or higher or those with a BMI of 27 or higher and one additional medical condition other than diabetes, following 12 weeks on an intensive diet and exercise routine, those who received high doses of Zepbound lost an average of nearly 20% of their body weight over the course of the trial (about 16.5 months).
Learn more about Zepbound (tirzepatide) and whether it might be the right weight-loss medication for you. The Ro Body program can offer you on-demand access to licensed healthcare providers who can help you get started on your weight loss journey and get access to life-changing medications to help you keep the weight off.
Weight loss
Get Zepbound
Lose up to 20% body weight in a year, if prescribed.
Weight loss claims apply to branded medications. Limited availability of some doses of Zepbound. See Important Safety Information
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If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Wadden, T. A., Chao, A. M., Machineni, S., et al. (2023). Tirzepatide after intensive lifestyle intervention in adults with overweight or obesity: the SURMOUNT-3 phase 3 trial. Nature Medicine, 29(11), 2909–2918. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02597-w. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02597-w
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