Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) is used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes in adults. Tirzepatide is a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist and works to promote weight loss by decreasing appetite and slowing the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, which can make you feel full more quickly and for a longer period of time. Tirzepatide also lowers blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver.

Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight and weight-related medical conditions. Zepbound helps you lose weight and maintain weight loss and should be used in conjunction with diet and exercise.

Mounjaro is used to help lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes; it should be used in conjunction with diet and exercise.

Mounjaro and Zepbound contain the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, and are manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. Both are administered by weekly injections under the skin and are available in single-dose pens with the same strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg per 0.5 mL.

Tirzepatide is a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, so its mechanism of action is by activating both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone receptors. GLP-1 helps control appetite and calorie intake, and GIP is also thought to help regulate food intake.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) can be used as a single therapy or with other types of diabetes. medications, including sulfonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors, or metformin. It is not known whether Tirzepatide can be used in people who have had pancreatitis. Tirzepatide should not be used in people who have type 1 diabetes.