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Tirzepatide – Zepbound/Mounjaro weight loss

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®/Zepbound®): What Philadelphia Patients Should Know

Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injectable medicine that acts on two incretin pathways—GLP-1 and GIP—to curb appetite, improve metabolic health, and support significant weight loss. Mounjaro® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes; Zepbound® (tirzepatide) is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight plus a related condition. Mounjaro+1

Is tirzepatide approved for weight loss?

Yes—Zepbound was approved by the FDA on Nov 8, 2023 for adults with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related condition (e.g., hypertension, T2D, dyslipidemia), used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

How much weight can you lose?

SURMOUNT-1 (72-week, adults without diabetes)

Tirzepatide produced substantial and sustained weight loss compared to placebo:

  • 5 mg: −15.0% mean body-weight change
  • 10 mg: −19.5%
  • 15 mg: −20.9%
  • Placebo: −3.1%
    Baseline mean weight: ~105 kg (231 lb). PubMed

A large share of participants achieved clinically meaningful loss (≥5% and ≥20%). Results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and match Lilly’s topline release. The New England Journal of Medicine+1

How is it taken?

Tirzepatide is injected once weekly (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) with a gradual dose escalation to improve tolerability. For Zepbound, the labeled schedule starts at 2.5 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then increases in 2.5-mg steps (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5) up to 15 mg if needed. The 2.5 mg dose is initiation only, not a maintenance dose. Zepbound+1

Common side effects & safety

The most frequent effects are GI-related (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain), usually during dose ramp-up. Important warnings include gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, and a thyroid C-cell tumor warning; tirzepatide is not for use in pregnancy. Your clinician will screen for risks and drug interactions. Always use FDA-approved products—avoid unapproved/compounded versions. Lilly+1

Who is a good candidate?

Adults who meet BMI eligibility and are ready to combine medication with a structured calorie plan, protein-forward meals, and activity. Sleep issues (e.g., snoring/OSA) and medications that promote weight gain should be addressed for best results.

Mounjaro® vs. Zepbound®—what’s the difference?

Both are tirzepatide:

How W8MD (Philadelphia) can help

At W8MD Medical Weight Loss & Sleep in Northeast Philadelphia, obesity-medicine physicians personalize your care and, when appropriate, prescribe tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) or alternatives:

  • Medical evaluation & labs (metabolic, hormonal, sleep screening)
  • Calorie-controlled, protein-forward nutrition (low-glycemic or keto-friendly; LCD/VLCD options when appropriate)
  • Behavior & activity support (steps + 2–3 short strength sessions/week)
  • Medication stewardship (dose titration, side-effect management, coverage navigation)
  • Sleep integration (OSA/insomnia care) that can unlock better results

Contact & Locations — W8MD Medical Weight Loss

Philadelphia (Primary – Northeast Philadelphia)
1718 Welsh Road, 2nd Floor, Ste C
Philadelphia, PA 19115 • (215) 676-2334

New York City
2632 East 21st Street, Ste L3
Brooklyn, NY 11235 • (718) 946-5500

Educational only; not medical advice. Your prescribing clinician will determine eligibility, dosing, and duration based on your health profile.