Zepbound basics: what to know while you track
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injectable medication from Eli Lilly, approved by the FDA in 2023 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition, and more recently for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. It activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, which slows digestion, reduces appetite, and improves insulin response. The same molecule is sold as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes.
Clinical results for tirzepatide are substantial. In 72-week clinical trials for weight management, adults lost between roughly 16% and 22% of their body weight on average, depending on dose. The most common side effects are digestive: nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and stomach pain.
Zepbound dose schedule
Zepbound starts low and steps up gradually. Per the FDA prescribing information, treatment begins at 2.5 mg once weekly for four weeks, then increases to 5 mg, with further increases of 2.5 mg allowed after at least four weeks at the current dose, up to a maximum of 15 mg. Maintenance doses are 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg. Shotsy tracks your dose at every step and charts your progress by dosage.
| Dose |
Phase |
Typical duration |
| 2.5 mg |
Starting dose |
Weeks 1 to 4 |
| 5 mg |
First maintenance option |
At least 4 weeks |
| 7.5 mg |
Transitional step |
At least 4 weeks |
| 10 mg |
Maintenance option |
At least 4 weeks |
| 12.5 mg |
Transitional step |
At least 4 weeks |
| 15 mg |
Maximum dose |
Ongoing |
Your prescriber sets your schedule. This table summarizes the FDA label for education only and is not medical advice.