The maximum recommended dose of tirzepatide for weight loss is 15 mg per week, as used in the FDA-approved medication Zepbound®. Most people start at a much lower dose, increasing gradually to help the body adjust and minimize side effects.

How Tirzepatide Works & Who It’s For

Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Zepbound® (FDA-approved for chronic weight management) and Mounjaro®(FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss).
It’s approved for adults with:

• Obesity (BMI ≥30), or
• Overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes).

Compounded tirzepatide contains the same active ingredient but is not FDA-approved. It may be considered when customized dosing or ingredient adjustments are needed.

Dosing Schedule for Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is taken once a week by subcutaneous injection.

• Month 1: 2.5 mg weekly
• Month 2: 5 mg weekly
• Month 3: 7.5 mg weekly
• Month 4: 10 mg weekly
• Month 5: 12.5 mg weekly
• Month 6+: 15 mg weekly (maintenance dose for many, but not all, patients)

With compounded tirzepatide, dosing can start as low as 2.0 mg weekly and may be increased in smaller increments depending on patient tolerance and goals.

How It’s Taken

Tirzepatide is injected under the skin (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm).

• Brand-name versions (Zepbound®, Mounjaro®) come in single-use prefilled pens.
• Compounded forms often come in multi-dose vials with syringes.

Rotating injection sites can help reduce irritation.

Missed Dose Guidance

• If your next scheduled dose is more than 4 days away → take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it’s less than 4 days away → skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Common Side Effects

Most side effects are gastrointestinal, especially during dose increases:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Stomach pain or bloating
• Indigestion

These symptoms usually improve after the body adjusts. In some cases, anti-nausea medication (like ondansetron) can help during the transition period.

For Best Results

Tirzepatide should be combined with healthy eating, regular exercise, proper hydration, and good sleep. While medication can help control appetite and reduce cravings, long-term weight management is most successful when paired with sustainable lifestyle habits.