Key facts
At a glance
The numbers you need before deciding.
~46 lbs for a 220 lb person
Eli Lilly's LillyDirect savings programme may reduce cost to ~$650/month for eligible patients without insurance
Pre-filled pen, no preparation needed
About 3 in 10 people · usually temporary
25% lean · SURMOUNT-1 body scan sub-study
Within 1 year · SURMOUNT-4 (2024)
Before you start
Learn about this treatment
Everything you'd want to know before deciding.
On treatment
Already taking this?
Practical guides for people currently on this medication.
Clinical evidence
How it compares in trials
Average weight loss % — from individual phase 3 trials
What does the lost weight consist of?
Resistance training (weight lifting, bodyweight exercises) can significantly reduce the muscle loss. Aim for 2–3 sessions per week during weight loss.
Source: SURMOUNT-1 body scan sub-study
What happens when you stop
Source: SURMOUNT-4 (2024)
medication
after stopping
after 1 year
In studies, people regained about 53% of the weight they lost within a year of stopping — ending about 9.9% below their starting weight. This is the body returning to its defended weight — not a personal failure. Current evidence supports long-term use for people who respond well.
Affordability
Cost & savings
Savings options
Eli Lilly's LillyDirect savings programme may reduce cost to ~$650/month for eligible patients without insurance.
Is this right for you?
Who this tends to fit
Relevant if you
- Open to a weekly injection
- Looking for the highest weight loss seen in trials
- Comfortable with a higher monthly cost ($500–$1,100)
- BMI 30+ or 27+ with health conditions
Not right if you
- You have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- You have a history of pancreatitis
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Your BMI is below 27 without qualifying health conditions
Prefer a pill? Wegovy (semaglutide) is available as a daily pill for ~$149/month and shows similar weight loss in trials.
Safety
Important cautions
In animal studies, tirzepatide caused thyroid tumours. It is unknown whether this applies to humans, but it is not prescribed to people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer.
Stop taking and contact your doctor immediately if you have persistent severe abdominal pain — this may be a sign of pancreatitis.
This drug may increase the risk of gallbladder problems. Tell your doctor if you develop sudden upper abdominal pain.
Practical guide
How to take Zepbound & Mounjaro
Inject under the skin of your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm — once per week, on the same day each week
Starting dose is 2.5mg. Your doctor will increase it every 4 weeks — up to a maximum of 15mg
Store in the refrigerator (36–46°F). Can be kept at room temperature for up to 21 days if needed
Each pen is pre-filled and single-use — no dose preparation needed
Common questions
FAQ
Questions to ask your doctor
- →Am I a good candidate given my health history and any other conditions I have?
- →Do I have any contraindications I should know about?
- →What results should I realistically expect, and over what timeframe?
- →Which side effects should make me contact you?
- →How long should I try this before we decide if it's working?
- →What happens if I need to stop — how do I come off it safely?