What Is The Highest Dose of Zepbound?

Zepbound, a medication designed to help with weight loss, comes in several dose options to suit different needs and preferences. Starting at a lower dose, the medication can be gradually increased to help find the right fit for each individual.

The highest dose of Zepbound is typically reserved for those who have successfully tolerated the medication at lower doses and are aiming for the maximum effect in their weight loss journey.

When you reach the highest Zepbound dose, you can expect more significant results. However, with greater effectiveness can come a higher chance of experiencing side effects. Let’s walk you through what you can expect at the highest dose of Zepbound, including potential results and the side effects you should keep an eye out for.

What is the maximum dose of Zepbound for weight loss?

The maximum dose of Zepbound for weight loss is 15 mg. While the highest dose is expected to deliver the best results, Zepbound offers a range of dosing options to help tailor the medication to your specific needs.

There are six available doses:

2.5 mg
5 mg
7.5 mg
10 mg
12.5 mg
15 mg

When starting Zepbound, your doctor will likely begin you on the lowest dose and gradually increase it by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks until you reach the highest dose of Zepbound (15 mg). This gives your body time to adjust to the medication and minimizes side effects.

The goal is to find the highest dose that you can tolerate, but doctors typically aim for 10 or 15 mg.

What dose of Zepbound is most effective?

In the SURMOUNT-1 study, Eli Lilly focused on testing the 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg doses of Zepbound, which are considered the maintenance doses. These doses were studied to determine which would be most effective for long-term weight loss.

Here’s a breakdown of the results at week 72:

5 mg dose: Average weight loss of 15%
10 mg dose: Average weight loss of 19.5%
15 mg dose: Average weight loss of 20.9%
Placebo: Only a 3.1% weight loss

A weight loss of just 5% is considered clinically significant. In the SURMOUNT-1 study, the percentage of participants who lost at least 5% of their body weight was:

85% of those on the 5 mg dose
89% of those on the 10 mg dose
91% of those on the 15 mg dose
Only 35% of those on the placebo

And the percentage of those who lost at least 20% of their body weight:

50% of participants on the 10 mg dose
57% of participants on the 15 mg dose
Just 3% of those on the placebo

The research shows that 15 mg is the most effective dose of Zepbound, with 10 mg at a close second.

What side effects can you expect on the highest Zepbound dose?

Every dose, including the maximum dose, of Zepbound carries the potential for side effects. While 15 mg is the highest available dose and is often a tentative goal, the actual goal is not necessarily to reach the maximum dose. Instead, the goal is to find the highest dose your body can tolerate.

That means the highest dose with minimal side effects. For some people, the maximum 15 mg dose may be ideal, while others might find a lower dose works best for them. No studies have been done specifically to determine whether side effects are more common or severe at higher doses like the 15 mg.

It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the right dosage, as it may take some time and adjustments to find the optimal dose for you.

Common side effects you might experience at any dose include:

GI issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
Fatigue
Headache
Irritation at the injection site

These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve over time. It’s normal for side effects to be more noticeable when you first increase your dose, but they typically stabilize as your body adjusts. If they persist or become too bothersome, your doctor may adjust your dosage, either by reducing it or extending the time between dose increases to give your body more time to acclimate.

How to safely take the max dose of Zepbound?

The safest way to take the highest dose of Zepbound is to follow your doctor’s instructions and stick to your prescribed titration schedule. Your healthcare provider will guide you through gradually increasing the dose.

You will typically begin with the starting dose of 2.5 mg and increase by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks until you reach the highest dose your body can tolerate.

It’s important to be patient during this process and allow your body time to adjust. It’s about safe and effective treatment. This isn’t a race to the top, it’s a gradual increase over time.

What is the titration schedule to reach the maximum dose of Zepbound for weight loss?

The typical titration schedule involves 4 weeks between dose increases, but your healthcare provider may adjust that up or down based on your tolerance and goals. Generally, you won’t reach the highest Zepbound dose until you’ve been on the medication for at least week 21.

See the Zepbound dosage chart below for a clearer schedule:

Zepbound Starting Dose	Zepbound Dosage Increase	Dosage Schedule	New Zepbound Dose
2.5 mg/0.5 mL	+2.5 mg	4+ weeks	5 mg/0.5 mL
5 mg/0.5 mL	+2.5 mg	4+ weeks	7.5 mg/0.5 mL
7.5 mg/0.5 mL	+2.5 mg	4+ weeks	10 mg/0.5 mL
10 mg/0.5 mL	+2.5 mg	4+ weeks	12.5 mg/0.5 mL
12.5 mg/0.5 mL	+2.5 mg	4+ weeks	15 mg/0.5 mL
15 mg/0.5 mL	N/A	N/A	N/A

How long can you stay on the highest Zepbound dose?

Once you reach your highest tolerated dose, you can stay on it indefinitely. If 15 mg is the maximum dose of Zepbound for you, then that’s the dose you can continue with long-term.

Zepbound is designed as a treatment for obesity, not a cure, meaning it’s intended to be used over an extended period to help manage weight. Stopping Zepbound means stopping its effects. Once your body’s hormone levels return to normal, there’s a significant risk of rebound weight gain.

Do you need to stay at the highest dose of Zepbound? No. Your healthcare provider might recommend a lower maintenance dose, depending on your progress and individual needs.

Find the most effective dose of Zepbound for you

Remember, it’s not about simply reaching the highest dose of Zepbound, but finding the most effective dose of Zepbound for your body. This involves working closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best dosage based on your unique needs and how your body responds to the medication.

If you’re ready to build out your optimal dose schedule, Heally can connect you with a knowledgeable healthcare provider who can guide you through the process and ensure you get the most out of your treatment.