How much weight can you lose on Zepbound?

Since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for weight loss in November 2023, Zepbound (tirzepatide) has skyrocketed in popularity—along with several questions, including, “How much weight can I lose on Zepbound?” 

Maybe you’re considering trying the treatment yourself. Or perhaps you’re just wondering how Zepbound’s average weight loss results compare to those of other injectable weight loss medications. Whatever the case may be, if you’re curious about the drug’s impact on the scale (and other weight-related measurements), you’ve come to the right place. 

Ahead, we break down how much weight you can lose on Zepbound and how to maximize that amount, depending on your goals, of course.     

The short answer? It varies from person to person. In general, though, people with obesity typically lose an average of 15% of their body weight on Zepbound, and nearly one-third to one-half lose at least 20%.

In clinical trials of more than 2,500 adults with obesity or overweight and a weight-related health condition, Zepbound resulted in an average weight loss of 15%-21% within a year and a half, when used in combination with diet and exercise. During that period, participants taking Zepbound lost an average of 35-48 pounds. Comparatively, those taking a placebo lost just 5 pounds on average.

What’s more, participants shaved an average of 5.5–7.3 inches off their waistlines, reducing body fat by nearly 34%. In addition to weight loss, they also experienced improvements in other areas of their health that can be associated with weight loss, such as lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol.  

A study from 2023 also found that participants with obesity (as well as type 2 diabetes) taking the highest doses of Zepbound—10 mg or 15 mg—saw an average weight loss of about 15% of their body weight. And one of the more recent studies on Zepbound’s effectiveness showed nearly 21% weight loss within 36 weeks. Participants also lost an average of an additional 5.5% weight over the next year while continuing the medication.

The research suggests that Zepbound is the most effective injectable GLP-1 medication for weight loss, a category of medications that also includes Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide). Although technically, Zepbound is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, which refers to the two gut hormones the drug mimics: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). The drug boosts insulin production and inhibits glucagon after you eat, helping lower blood sugar levels while also making you feel fuller sooner—two effects that may cause you to eat less and lose weight. 

Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss and weight management in adults with obesity or with overweight and a weight-related health condition, such as high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes. It’s also approved to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity.

Average weight loss on Zepbound can vary due to several factors, including:

• Your individual response to the medication

• The prescribed dosage of Zepbound

• Duration of treatment (i.e. how long you take Zepbound)

• Other lifestyle changes you make, such as diet and exercise

• Other health conditions you may have

Weight loss may be dose-dependent with Zepbound, as those taking higher dosages in the aforementioned clinical trials lost more weight. For example, over the course of 72 weeks, people taking:

• 5 mg of Zepbound lost an average of 15% of their body weight (35 pounds)

• 10 mg of Zepbound lost an average of 19.5% of their body weight (45 pounds)

• 15 mg of Zepbound lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight (48 pounds)

Another factor that can affect how much weight you can lose on Zepbound? The length of time the medication is taken. Clinical trials of adults with obesity or overweight as well as certain weight-related conditions (e.g. hypertension, OSA, cardiovascular disease, and high cholesterol) saw more significant weight loss if they took Zepbound for 88 weeks than those who stopped after 36 weeks.

If you have other health conditions, that can also affect your Zepbound weight loss results. For example, people with obesity and type 2 diabetes lose more weight on tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound) than with GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic). However, they still lose less weight than those with obesity but not diabetes. 

And let’s not forget about lifestyle modifications. Following a balanced diet and maintaining a workout routine while using the medication can impact how much weight you can lose on Zepound. 

Zepbound starts working as soon as you take it, although it can take four weeks for it to reach a steady concentration in your bloodstream. 

Research suggests that weight loss tends to start quickly on Zepbound, with people losing nearly 2% of their body weight at the 4-week mark. In a study of people with type 2 diabetes and obesity, it took about three months for participants to lose at least 5% of their body weight on the two highest maintenance dosages of Zepbound (10 mg and 15 mg). On the 5 mg dose, it took four months. 

*In a 72-week clinical trial studying Zepbound in patients without diabetes and with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related condition, the average weight loss was 20% in people who took 15 mg, when paired with diet and exercise changes (compared to 3.1% with diet and exercise alone) and 15% in people who took 5 mg (the highest dose available in Zepbound single-dose vials).

If you’ve ever tried to lose weight (or, let’s be honest, read a lifestyle magazine in the early 00s), then you’re likely aware that a healthy diet and consistent exercise are essential components of achieving any weight-related goals. And the same is true when you’re taking Zepbound. In other words, adhering to healthy lifestyle habits while on Zepbound can help produce significant weight loss results. Those habits may include:

• Following a Zepbound-friendly diet

• Exercising regularly

• Getting enough sleep

• Taking care of your mental health

• Working with your healthcare provider

Now, let’s take a closer look at how these habits can maximize your Zepbound weight loss results.

Follow a Zepbound-friendly diet 

Generally, there are no foods that absolutely must be removed on Zepbound, but cutting out or limiting certain foods can help reduce digestive side effects and improve weight loss. 

Fried and fatty foods, for example, can not only cause an upset stomach, potentially worsening a Zepbound side effect, but may also hinder how much weight you can lose on Zepbound. In fact, a 2022 study found that eating fried food increases your risk for obesity and weight gain (as well as type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, according to additional research). Foods that are high in sugar can also lead to overeating and weight gain, which may impede or even prevent weight loss while using Zepbound.

Another clinical trial suggests that to maximize weight loss on Zepbound, patients should follow “a nutrition strategy that allows you to consume 1,200 (women) or 1,500 (men) calories per day comfortably,” says Beverly Tchang, MD, DABOM, Ro Obesity Medicine Advisor and assistant professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. 

“Protein shakes or prepackaged meals (as ‘whole food’ as possible!) can be used to help achieve this goal,” she explains. “That’s because they are portion-controlled and protein-forward, and protein can help increase fullness.” (The fuller and more satiated you are, the more stable your blood sugar remains and the less likely you are to snack later in the day.) 

Regularly exercise

Following a well-balanced diet can help you consume fewer calories, which, along with regular physical activity, can help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight.

When it comes to working out, patients should do at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week, Dr. Tchang says.  “For example, this could be 30-minute sessions of brisk walking five days a week, and more is better.” 

If possible, aim for a mix of aerobic and resistance exercises. Aerobic exercise describes anything that gets your heart pumping, like walking, dancing, jogging, or biking. Resistance exercise, on the other hand, includes exercises like weight-lifting and some types of yoga—anything that helps you build and strengthen your muscles. Aerobic exercise can help you burn fat, while resistance exercise can ensure you maintain lean muscle mass as you slim down. Together, these exercises can support weight loss and long-term weight management.

Get ample sleep 

It turns out that getting enough shut-eye not only helps you feel more alert and focused during the day, but can also support weight loss. People who get too little sleep on a regular basis—i.e. fewer than 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night—tend to snack more and eat higher-calorie foods that lead to weight gain. Studies have even found a connection between one less hour of sleep per night and a slower rate of fat loss.

Meanwhile, individuals who experience more weight loss success tend to report better sleep. So, make time for yourself to get enough sleep per night, even if that means changing up your nightly or morning routine. Also, consider other ways you can enjoy more restful sleep, such as:

• Avoiding electronic use in the last 30–60 minutes before bed

• Adopting a relaxing bedtime routine

• Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day

• Limiting caffeine and heavy foods later in the day

• Using your bed for sleep and sex only

Take care of your mental health 

Sticking to a weight loss plan can be a challenge. Add into the mix anxiety, depression, or chronic stress, and the task can seem even more difficult. If that rings true to you, rest assured that it’s not in your head—research shows that mental health and body weight have a complicated relationship.

Poor mental health is associated with poorer eating habits, less physical activity, and less motivation to stay committed to healthy lifestyle changes. Meanwhile, the social stigma associated with obesity can worsen body image and self-esteem, which, for some, can lead to mental health challenges. 

Simply dealing with a high amount of stress, whether from day-to-day life or a traumatic life event, can throw a wrench in your eating and exercise habits. People dealing with chronic stress are more likely to binge eat and snack on high-calorie, high-sugar foods (think: comfort eats). 

If you feel like your mental health is making it tough for you to handle your day today, consider getting professional help. A therapist can help you uncover what might be behind your emotional and mental woes and work with you on adopting habits that can help you feel more in control and joyful. Other stress reduction techniques, from meditation to deep breathing exercises, can also offer relief and, in turn, potentially help maximize how much weight you can lose on Zepbound.

Work with your healthcare provider

And lastly, if you’re asking yourself, “how much weight can I lose on Zepbound?” you should consult your healthcare provider and/or weight management team often, Dr. Tchang says.

“Officially, more than 14 sessions over six months is the magic number, but more is better,” Dr. Tchang says. “This could be your doctor, behavioral therapist, dietitian-nutritionist, or health coach, etc. These partners help you navigate challenges so you can continue to see progress.” 

For example, Ro Body membership, an online weight loss program, offers personalized coaching and support to help you adhere to the lifestyle changes recommended on Zepbound and, in turn, reach your body goals. 

As a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, Zepbound can be particularly effective at weight loss, but how much weight you can lose on Zepbound can be affected by several factors. And while Zepbound’s average weight loss results vary across patients, there are several research-backed tactics for maximizing weight loss on the medication.  

• In clinical trials, 85%-91% of people taking Zepbound lost at least 5% of their body weight in 72 weeks (about a year and a half). On average, people lost 15%–21% of their body weight, or about 35-48 pounds. 

• Various factors can affect how much weight you can lose on Zepbound, including the dosage you’re prescribed, how long you take the medication, your lifestyle, and other underlying health conditions.

• To maximize weight loss on Zepbound, it’s important to adopt healthy lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, increasing your physical activity, getting enough sleep, and managing your mental health.

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Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

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Current version

March 14, 2025

Written by

Rachel Sacks and Amelia Willson

Fact checked by

Raagini Yedidi, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Raagini Yedidi, MD

Raagini Yedidi, MD, is an internal medicine resident and medical reviewer for Ro.