What is the best time of day to take Zepbound?

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved once-weekly injectable medication for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight and one or more weight-related health conditions. Zepbound is also the first and only prescription medication for adults with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.

Zepbound is available in single-dose pre-filled disposable pens and vials administered under the skin of the stomach, upper arm, or thigh on the same day every week, at any time that is most convenient for you. There are no reports that taking Zepbound at any particular time of the day has any effect on weight loss.

Zepbound works best when taken on the same day each week. The best time of day to take Zepbound is when it’s most convenient for you, at a time that you are alert and most likely to remember.

Learn more about the recommended injection sites and a step-by-step guide on how to inject Zepbound for optimal weight loss results, especially when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. Also, discover the best time to inject Zepbound and get helpful tips on creating a weekly schedule that works best for you.

What is Zepbound and how does it work?

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved weight loss drug used with a lower-calorie diet and increased physical activity to help with weight loss and long-term weight management in adults with:

• a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (obesity)
• a BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) and a weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea

Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound can also lower blood sugar and help people with diabetes lose weight. It has also been shown to help those without diabetes lose weight.

Zepbound is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that mimics two gut hormones: GIP and GLP-1.

This dual action may make Mounjaro more effective for weight loss and blood sugar control than other GLP-1s that only target one receptor like brand names Ozempic and Wegovy.

Zepbound helps with weight loss, reduces appetite, and lowers blood sugar, so it’s a great choice for patients who want to lose weight, reduce hunger, and have other health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. It works by increasing insulin and decreasing glucagon after meals to control blood sugar and slowing down digestion (gastroparesis) to make you feel full sooner and eat less.

Taking Zepbound at the same time each week helps ensure a consistent level of the medication in your body, improving its ability to manage body weight and blood sugar levels.

What is the best time of day to take Zepbound?

The manufacturer Eli Lilly mentions that you should take a Zepbound injection once every week, on the same day of the week, but offers flexibility in selecting your dosing schedule. You can choose any day and time according to your convenience and preference.

The medication doesn’t necessarily have to be taken with food. It works the same whether you eat or not. However, many people find it helpful to remember when taking their medication during a meal.

You can change the day you inject Mounjaro, but make sure it’s been at least 3 days since your last dose. For example, if you usually inject on Monday, you can switch to Thursday or another day later in the week.

If you have trouble remembering your injection day, try marking it on a calendar or setting a reminder on your phone.

Morning vs. evening: which is better?

You can take Zepbound at any time of the day, as long as it’s the same day each week. Morning injections can give you a fresh start to the day, can help boost your energy levels, and metabolism, and support your daily activities.

Evening injections may be better if you get side effects like nausea as they can happen while you sleep. Taking Zepbound in the evening also gives you the benefit of overnight effects (your body has more time to process the medication) and as a result, the effects of the drug may last into the next day and you may not need to dose during the day or disrupt your daily activities.

Choose a time when you’re likely to remember based on your lifestyle and can take the medication correctly without distractions.

Always follow your healthcare professional’s recommendations to ensure the most effective treatment plan for you.

Factors influencing the best time to take Zepbound

Zepbound may interact with the body’s natural rhythms (circadian cycles), which may influence metabolism, hunger, and energy levels throughout the day. Taking it at a consistent time that aligns with your daily routine can help optimize its effectiveness by working with your body’s natural processes for better blood sugar control and weight management.

You can take Zepbound with or without food. If you experience nausea, taking it after a meal may help, or taking it before bed might reduce digestive discomfort.

Individual health conditions or medications can affect the best time to take Zepbound. For example, if you have diabetes or are taking other medications, your doctor may adjust the timing to ensure Zepbound works effectively alongside your treatment plan.

Choose a time that fits into your daily life on the same day each week. If needed, you can inject it a day early, but make sure there are at least 3 days (72 hours) between doses.

Where and how to inject Zepbound

You can inject Zepbound under the skin of your upper thigh, the back side of your upper arm, or the abdomen (stomach). If you want to inject it into the back of your upper arm, you’ll need help from someone else. If you inject Zepbound into your stomach, make sure to stay at least 2 inches away from your belly button.

Switch between different areas and try not to inject in the same spot each time. Rotating injection sites every week can help prevent injection site reactions with symptoms like swelling, itching, pain, or redness around the injection area.

These injection sites are recommended because they have a layer of fat that helps in medication absorption. When ready to inject, pull the cap off the pen, and then push the needle cover firmly against your skin in one of the above-mentioned injection sites.

You can find more information about how to inject Zepbound and watch an instructional video on the drugmaker’s website.

Zepbound dosing schedule

Zepbound is available in six different strengths:

• 2.5 mg/0.5 mL
• 5 mg/0.5 mL
• 7.5 mg/0.5 mL
• 10 mg/0.5 mL
• 12.5 mg/0.5 mL
• 15 mg/0.5 mL

Your healthcare provider will likely begin with a low dose (2.5 mg weekly) of Zepbound which you will inject once a week for 4 weeks. After that, your doctor may gradually increase the dose to 5 mg once a week. Whenever your doctor increases your dose, you will take the new dose for at least 4 weeks.

Starting with a low dose helps your body adjust to the medication and reduces the chance of digestive side effects.

The highest dose of Zepbound is 15 mg, which you inject once a week. The dose of Zepbound you’re given may depend on a few factors, such as how your body reacts to the medication and if you experience any side effects.

Recommended guidelines for taking Zepbound

Take Zepbound at the same time every week so you have a consistent level of the medication in your body.

If you work shifts or have an irregular schedule, choose a time of the week when you’ll remember to take your dose. The key is to find a routine that works for you that you can stick to consistently.

Taking Zepbound at the same time every week is key. Don’t skip or take the medication at odd times, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and stick to the routine.

Tips for including Zepbound in your routine

Zepbound helps with weight loss but works best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.

Here are a few tips to maximize results with Zepbound:

• Create a schedule: Set a weekly reminder on your phone or calendar to help you remember when to take Zepbound. You could also use a pillbox or medication tracker app to stay on top of your dose schedule.
• Combine Zepbound with daily habits: Combine your Zepbound injection with another regular habit, like a specific meal or before bedtime, to make it easier to remember. Creating a routine that fits naturally into your day can help you stay consistent.
• What to do if you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. If it’s been more than 4 days, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once.
• Healthy diet: Zepbound helps reduce your appetite and decreases the amount you need to eat to feel full. Healthcare professionals often recommend a healthy, low-calorie diet while using Zepbound, with a focus on lean protein and fiber, and avoiding high-fat, sugary, and processed foods.
• Vitamins and supplements: While Zepbound can reduce appetite, don’t skip meals to avoid malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin D and B12 supplements may help with weight loss, while Chromium, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Coenzyme Q10 may help with insulin resistance. Consult with your healthcare provider to find out what supplements are best for you.
• Hydration: The most common side effects of Zepbound are gastrointestinal like nausea and diarrhea. Stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day and eating hydrating foods like cucumbers, zucchini, and watermelon.
• Physical activity: Exercise can enhance Zepbound’s action on diabetes and weight loss. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week (walking or swimming) and 2-3 times strength training per week to improve insulin sensitivity and weight management.

Side effects

Zepbound has side effects similar to other weight loss injections like Wegovy (semaglutide). A 2023 study found that side effects from tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) may happen in the first 2 weeks after the first dose.

The most common side effects of Zepbound may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion, and hair loss, especially when starting the medication or after a dose increase.

For most people, these side effects are mild and improve over time as your body adjusts. In the meantime, there are simple ways to manage these symptoms at home.

• Eat low-fat, plain foods
• Limit spicy foods and alcohol
• Eat slowly and avoid lying down right after eating
• Try walking for 10 minutes or more after eating
• Wear loose clothing

In rare instances, Zepbound can cause serious side effects:

• Risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Changes in vision (diabetic retinopathy)
• Severe allergic reactions
• Acute kidney/gallbladder disease
• Acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Thyroid tumors/thyroid cancer (a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, and trouble swallowing)
• Suicidal thoughts

Zepbound must not be given to people with a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

Zepbound may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Your healthcare provider may suggest using a different form of birth control for 4 weeks after starting Zepbound and after each dose increase.

Let your healthcare provider know if you are or are pregnant or are breastfeeding before starting treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Zepbound with food?

What happens if I switch the time I take Zepbound?

The effectiveness of Zepbound is not influenced by the time of day you take it, and you can switch the time to whatever works for you. The most important thing is to take it consistently on the same day each week.

How long does it take for Zepbound to show results?

Clinical studies have shown that patients started losing weight within the first 4 weeks of taking Zepbound. However, how fast you lose weight depends on factors like your starting weight, the dose you’re taking, your diet, and physical activity.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Zepbound, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s been more than 4 days since your dose, skip it and take your next dose at the usual time. Never inject two doses at once or within 3 days of each other to avoid side effects.

How do I change my dosing schedule?

If you want to change the day of the week you take your Zepbound dose, make sure there are at least 3 days (72 hours) between doses. You should not change your Zepbound dose without your healthcare provider’s advice.

Bottom line

Zepbound, a medication with the same active ingredient as Mounjaro, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in 2023.

The best time to inject Zepbound is when it’s easiest for you to remember. It should be taken on the same day each week, at a time that fits your schedule when you aren’t distracted, with or without food.

Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain are common side effects, but they usually go away as your body gets used to the medication.

You can change your injection day, but make sure it’s been at least 3 days since your last dose.

If you have any questions about side effects, lifestyle changes, or how Zepbound fits into your routine, speak with your healthcare provider.