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Zepbound
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Zepbound Weight Loss Program

The FDA-approved tirzepatide that outperformed semaglutide in head-to-head trials
Zepbound is the FDA-approved brand-name tirzepatide, a dual-action GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist that produced 20% average weight loss over 72 weeks in clinical trials. Elite Total Wellness prescribes and monitors Zepbound at our Downtown Memphis clinic with ongoing support.
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Zepbound Zepbound img
15%

Average body weight lost in clinical trials over 68 weeks

1x

Weekly injection takes under a minute

Monthly

Check-ins with dosage adjustments and progress tracking

How It Works

How Zepbound Works

Zepbound contains tirzepatide, a dual-action medication that activates two hormone receptors: GLP-1 and GIP. Most weight loss medications in this class target only GLP-1. By engaging both receptors, Zepbound reduces appetite, slows digestion, and improves how your body regulates blood sugar and stores fat. This dual mechanism is what makes Zepbound more effective than single-receptor GLP-1 medications like semaglutide.

The medication is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related medical condition.

Once-Weekly Injection

You self-administer Zepbound as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a prefilled pen. Each pen contains one pre-set dose with a hidden needle, so you never handle a separate syringe. Injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The process takes under a minute. Your care team at Elite demonstrates the technique at your first appointment and remains available between visits for any questions.

Dual-Action Mechanism

Zepbound is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, targeting two key hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. This unique dual mechanism delivers superior weight loss results compared to single-hormone medications.

Enhanced Weight Loss

Clinical trials of Zepbound showed participants lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight at the 15 mg dose over 72 weeks of treatment—47% greater relative weight loss than Wegovy.

Sustained Appetite Control

Most patients notice reduced appetite within the first two to four weeks. The medication helps you feel full with smaller portions, addressing biological signals that make sustained weight loss difficult.

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Typical Results

What Results Look Like

Zepbound has the strongest clinical trial results of any FDA-approved weight loss medication. The SURMOUNT-1 trial showed dose-dependent weight loss of 15%, 19.5%, and 20.9% at the 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg doses over 72 weeks. At the highest dose, participants lost an average of 48 pounds from a starting weight of 231 pounds. One in three patients at the highest dose lost more than 25% of their body weight.

In the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial comparing Zepbound directly to Wegovy, participants on Zepbound lost an average of 20.2% of body weight compared to 13.7% on Wegovy over 72 weeks, a 47% greater relative weight loss. Most patients notice reduced appetite within the first two to four weeks. Measurable weight loss typically appears by weeks eight to twelve. Individual results depend on starting weight, dosage, adherence, diet, and activity level.

2w

Weeks 2–4

Reduced appetite and smaller portion sizes become noticeable

8w

Weeks 8–12

Measurable weight loss appears on the scale

16w

Month 4–6

Therapeutic dose reached; weight loss accelerates

72w

72 Weeks

Average 20.9% body weight lost at 15 mg dose in SURMOUNT-1 trial

Eligibility

Who Qualifies

Zepbound is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults who meet specific clinical criteria. Your eligibility is confirmed through a health history review at your first appointment.
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  • BMI of 30 or higher (obesity classification)
  • BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or obstructive sleep apnea
  • No personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
  • No history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
  • Not currently pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
  • No prior severe allergic reaction to tirzepatide

Your Program

Common Side Effects

Most side effects are gastrointestinal, mild to moderate in severity, and tend to resolve as your body adjusts during the first several weeks. Gradual dose escalation reduces the likelihood of persistent discomfort.

  • Nausea, most common during the first weeks and dose increases
  • Diarrhea or constipation as digestion patterns adjust
  • Reduced appetite, which is central to how the medication works
  • Injection site reactions such as minor redness or irritation
  • Occasional stomach pain or indigestion during titration

How We Manage Side Effects

Elite begins every patient at 2.5 mg weekly and increases the dose gradually over several months. If gastrointestinal symptoms persist beyond the adjustment period, your provider modifies the titration timeline or adds supportive care. In the SURMOUNT-5 trial, only 6.1% of participants on Zepbound discontinued due to adverse events. Contact the clinic if you experience severe or prolonged symptoms; same-day guidance is available by phone.

Your Program

What to Expect at Elite

Your program starts with a consultation at our Downtown Memphis clinic. Your provider reviews your medical history, discusses your goals, and determines whether Zepbound is the right medication for your situation.

01

Titration and Dosing Schedule

Zepbound begins at 2.5 mg weekly for the first four weeks. The dose increases in 2.5 mg increments every four weeks, with a target maintenance dose of 10 mg or 15 mg. Full titration typically takes four to five months. Each dose level uses a different colored pen for easy identification. This gradual approach gives your body time to adjust and allows your provider to find the dose that balances results with tolerability.

02

Monthly Monitoring

Each monthly visit includes a weigh-in, vital signs, and a review of your response to the current dose. Your provider adjusts the medication based on weight loss progress and side effects. These appointments also include nutrition guidance and planning for long-term weight maintenance after treatment.

Pricing and Insurance

Zepbound may be covered by insurance for qualifying patients. We accept Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare, BCBS, and Medicare. Coverage varies by plan and depends on your BMI and documented weight-related conditions. Eli Lilly offers savings programs that may reduce your monthly cost for eligible patients. Your consultation includes a full cost breakdown and insurance verification before you commit to treatment.
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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Zepbound cost in Memphis?
Zepbound pricing depends on your insurance coverage and dosage. Many commercial insurance plans cover Zepbound for qualifying patients. Eli Lilly offers savings programs that may reduce your monthly cost. Your consultation at Elite includes insurance verification and a complete cost breakdown before treatment begins.
Zepbound is manufactured by Eli Lilly and has been reviewed by the FDA as a finished product for chronic weight management. Compounded tirzepatide is prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy under an individual prescription from a provider. It has not gone through the FDA’s finished-product review process and is not FDA-approved. Zepbound’s safety and efficacy have been established in clinical trials involving thousands of participants. Your provider can discuss both options during your consultation.
Most patients notice reduced appetite within the first two to four weeks. Measurable weight loss typically appears by weeks eight to twelve. In the SURMOUNT-5 trial, participants on Zepbound lost an average of 20.2% of body weight over 72 weeks. Your provider tracks your progress monthly and adjusts treatment if results are not on track.
The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and reduced appetite. These are typically mild to moderate and improve as your body adjusts over the first several weeks. In clinical trials, only 6.1% of participants discontinued Zepbound due to side effects. Elite uses a gradual titration schedule starting at 2.5 mg to minimize discomfort.
Zepbound contains tirzepatide, which activates two hormone receptors (GLP-1 and GIP). Wegovy contains semaglutide, which activates one (GLP-1). In the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial, Zepbound produced 20.2% average weight loss compared to 13.7% for Wegovy over 72 weeks. Both are once-weekly injections. Your provider recommends the better option based on your health profile, insurance coverage, and treatment goals.
Many commercial insurance plans cover Zepbound for qualifying patients with documented obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions. Coverage varies by plan. Eli Lilly offers savings programs for eligible patients. Your consultation includes insurance verification so you understand your coverage before committing to treatment.
Zepbound produces the best results when paired with healthy eating and regular physical activity. The medication reduces hunger and changes how your body processes food, but sustainable lifestyle habits are what maintain results long-term. Your provider offers nutrition guidance and practical strategies during monthly check-ins to help you build those habits.
How much does Zepbound cost in Memphis?
Zepbound pricing depends on your insurance coverage and dosage. Many commercial insurance plans cover Zepbound for qualifying patients. Eli Lilly offers savings programs that may reduce your monthly cost. Your consultation at Elite includes insurance verification and a complete cost breakdown before treatment begins.
Zepbound is manufactured by Eli Lilly and has been reviewed by the FDA as a finished product for chronic weight management. Compounded tirzepatide is prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy under an individual prescription from a provider. It has not gone through the FDA’s finished-product review process and is not FDA-approved. Zepbound’s safety and efficacy have been established in clinical trials involving thousands of participants. Your provider can discuss both options during your consultation.
Most patients notice reduced appetite within the first two to four weeks. Measurable weight loss typically appears by weeks eight to twelve. In the SURMOUNT-5 trial, participants on Zepbound lost an average of 20.2% of body weight over 72 weeks. Your provider tracks your progress monthly and adjusts treatment if results are not on track.
The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and reduced appetite. These are typically mild to moderate and improve as your body adjusts over the first several weeks. In clinical trials, only 6.1% of participants discontinued Zepbound due to side effects. Elite uses a gradual titration schedule starting at 2.5 mg to minimize discomfort.
How is Zepbound different from Wegovy?
Zepbound contains tirzepatide, which activates two hormone receptors (GLP-1 and GIP). Wegovy contains semaglutide, which activates one (GLP-1). In the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial, Zepbound produced 20.2% average weight loss compared to 13.7% for Wegovy over 72 weeks. Both are once-weekly injections. Your provider recommends the better option based on your health profile, insurance coverage, and treatment goals.
Many commercial insurance plans cover Zepbound for qualifying patients with documented obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions. Coverage varies by plan. Eli Lilly offers savings programs for eligible patients. Your consultation includes insurance verification so you understand your coverage before committing to treatment.
Zepbound produces the best results when paired with healthy eating and regular physical activity. The medication reduces hunger and changes how your body processes food, but sustainable lifestyle habits are what maintain results long-term. Your provider offers nutrition guidance and practical strategies during monthly check-ins to help you build those habits.

Explore Options

Other Weight Loss Medications

If semaglutide is not the right fit, your provider may recommend an alternative based on your health profile and goals.

Semaglutide

Compounded semaglutide for weight loss at Elite Total Wellness in Downtown Memphis. Medically supervised GLP-1 program with monthly monitoring. Schedule a consultation.

Learn more

Tirzepatide

Targets two hormone receptors (GLP-1 and GIP) and may produce greater weight loss for some patients.

Learn more

Wegovy

Brand-name semaglutide. FDA-approved for weight loss. Available as injection or daily pill. Insurance coverage varies by employer and plan.

Learn more

Downtown Memphis Location

Elite Total Wellness is located at 364 S Front St, Suite 101, Memphis, TN 38103, steps from Main Street and FedEx Forum. Free adjacent parking available. Walk-ins welcome.

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Ready to Get Started?

Schedule a consultation for semaglutide at Elite Total Wellness. We review your health history, confirm eligibility, and answer your questions with no commitment required.
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Or call 901.505.2017