Who Is a Candidate for Zepbound for Weight Loss?

At Dr. Shima Hadidchi MD Family Practice, we are committed to providing personalized and effective solutions for chronic weight management. One of the options available to eligible patients is Zepbound, a prescription medication for chronic weight management in adults. To be eligible, you must have a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher (considered obese). Alternatively, you may be eligible with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher (considered overweight) if you also have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

In addition to these BMI and health criteria, Zepbound is meant to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is not a substitute for lifestyle changes. A doctor will need to evaluate your overall health and medical history to confirm that Zepbound is a safe and appropriate treatment for you, as it is not suitable for everyone.

At your initial consultation, Dr. Hadidchi will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your medical history, current medications, and overall health. This ensures that Zepbound is a safe and appropriate choice as part of your individualized weight management plan. If prescribed, Zepbound will be integrated with ongoing guidance on nutrition, exercise, and behavioral support, all provided here at our family practice.

Zepbound is not safe for everyone. Like all prescription medications, it has specific warnings, contraindications, and potential side effects that make it unsuitable for certain individuals. It is crucial to have a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider to determine if Zepbound is a safe and appropriate treatment option for you. Here are some of the key safety considerations and who should not take Zepbound:

• Thyroid Cancer Risk: Zepbound has a boxed warning (the most serious warning from the FDA) regarding the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. It is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), a rare genetic condition.

• Serious Gastrointestinal Issues: The medication can cause severe stomach problems, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, more serious conditions like pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder problems (such as gallstones), and slowed gastric emptying (gastroparesis) have been reported.

• Kidney Problems: Severe dehydration from gastrointestinal side effects can lead to acute kidney injury. Patients need to stay hydrated, especially if they experience nausea or vomiting.

• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): The risk of low blood sugar is higher when Zepbound is used in combination with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas.

• Allergic Reactions: Individuals who have had a serious allergic reaction to Tirzepatide or any of the ingredients in Zepbound should not use it.

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Zepbound may cause harm to an unborn baby. It is not known if it passes into breast milk. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should discuss this with their doctor.

• Other Medical Conditions: A healthcare provider will need to consider your full medical history, including any history of pancreatitis, kidney problems, severe stomach issues, or diabetic retinopathy.

It’s also important to note that Zepbound should not be used in combination with other Tirzepatide-containing products or other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines. Before starting any new medication, including Zepbound, Dr. Hadidchi and her team will carefully review your medical history and current health status to determine the most appropriate and safe treatment plan for you.

Zepbound (Tirzepatide) is typically taken once a week for weight loss. It comes as a pre-filled injection pen that patients administer under the skin, usually in areas like the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Your doctor will start you on a lower dose and gradually increase it over time to help your body adjust and reduce the risk of side effects such as nausea or digestive discomfort.

The exact dosing schedule and amount will depend on your individual health profile and treatment goals. It’s important to take Zepbound on the same day each week, but if you miss a dose, your doctor will provide guidance on when to resume. Because weight management plans are tailored to each person, Board-Certified physician Dr. Shima Hadidchi, MD, will determine the most appropriate regimen for you. We understand that achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of your overall well-being.

Zepbound (Tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved medication for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight and have a weight-related health condition. The medication is suitable for both men and women.

Clinical trials for Zepbound included both men and women and demonstrated effectiveness for weight loss in both groups. However, some analyses of the trial data suggest that, on average, women may experience a greater percentage of weight loss compared to men. The specific reasons for this difference are still being investigated. Zepbound is a prescription-only medication, and a healthcare provider will determine if it is the right treatment option for an individual based on their specific health profile and weight loss goals.

If you are interested in learning more about Zepbound and whether it may be appropriate as part of your comprehensive weight management plan, please contact us or schedule a consultation with Dr. Shima Hadidchi, MD. Together, we can develop a personalized approach to help you achieve your long-term health goals. We have convenient locations to serve you in Apple Valley, CA and Victorville, CA. We serve patients from Apple Valley CA, Victorville CA, Spring Valley Lake CA, Hesperia CA, Baldy Mesa CA, Mountain View Acres CA, Adelanto CA, and surrounding areas.