Tirzepatide dosage chart: Zepbound and Mounjaro

Key Points

• Tirzepatide is approved for weight loss, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea
• Healthcare providers start tirzepatide at 2.5 mg weekly and increase the dose gradually every 4 weeks to minimize side effects
• Higher doses of tirzepatide may produce greater weight loss results and lower blood sugar levels, but individual results vary
• Studies show that tirzepatide works better combined with diet and lifestyle changes

Tirzepatide, available as Mounjaro and Zepbound, has shown impressive results in clinical trials with 15-20% weight loss, improved A1C levels for people with type 2 diabetes, and even benefits for sleep apnea.

While individual results depend on many factors, dosage plays a significant role. This guide explores how to transition from the starting dose to maintenance levels and offers a sample dosage guide, based on science.

What is tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a medication initially approved for type 2 diabetes and marketed as Mounjaro. Later, it received approval for weight loss under the name Zepbound. In 2024, the FDA also authorized Zepbound to help people with obesity who have obstructive sleep apnea.

The medication mimics two hormones in the body, GLP-1 and GIP. With this dual action, tirzepatide benefits include:

• Lower blood sugar levels
• Weight loss
• Reduced appetite
• Slower digestion (so you feel full for a longer time)
• Enhanced fat burning

Gia Eapen, MD, says, “Tirzepatide results may vary based on how your body responds to the medication, existing health conditions (including starting weight), and the tirzepatide dose you’re on.”

What doses does tirzepatide come in?

Tirzepatide medications like Zepbound and Mounjaro are once-weekly injectables. Most doses are in pre-filled injector pens, but others are available in a vial for injection with a syringe.

Zepbound dosage

Zepbound is approved for use in adults only. It is available in doses of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg. The 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses are also available as single-dose vials.

“Typically, healthcare providers start you off on the starter dose of 2.5 mg,” explains Eapen, MD. “The goal is to give your body time to adjust to the medication and potential side effects like nausea, digestive discomfort, and diarrhea. After taking this dose every week for a month (4 weeks), your provider may increase your dosage to 5 mg. And after another month, after evaluating your body’s response to the medication, your dosage may be increased again.”

A Zepbound dosage chart may look like this:

• Month 1 (weeks 1-4): 2.5 mg
• Month 2 (weeks 5-8): 5 mg
• Month 3 (weeks 9-12): 7.5 mg
• Months 4 and over (weeks 13+): 10-15 mg maintenance dose

Note: This dosage chart is merely a guideline on managing tirzepatide doses. Individual results may vary, and your healthcare provider will adjust your dosage based on how your body responds to each dose. Please do not stop taking tirzepatide or change your dosage without consulting a healthcare provider.

Mounjaro dosage

Mounjaro is available in the following doses: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg.

The starter dose is a low 2.5 mg, similar to Zepbound. This is administered to get your body used to the medication and to observe any adverse effects.

After 4 weeks, your healthcare team may increase your dose to 5 mg. If your blood sugar levels are still high, your dose may gradually increase to 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg.

A typical Mounjaro dosage chart may look like this:

• Month 1(weeks 1-4): 2.5 mg
• Month 2(weeks 5-8): 5 mg
• Month 3(weeks 9-12): 7.5 mg
• Month 4+ (13+): Based on your individual health goals

The maintenance dose for weight loss on Zepbound is 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg weekly. For sleep apnea, the maintenance dose is 10 mg or 15 mg per week.

For Mounjaro, the maintenance dose can be any dose that helps you maintain your blood sugar levels in a healthy range, as determined by your healthcare provider.

Eapen, MD, notes, “Dosage must not be increased by more than 2.5 mg at a time, and keeping a minimum of 4 weeks between dose changes is recommended. Please do not adjust your dosage without approval from your doctor.”

What are the side effects of tirzepatide?

Common side effects

The most common tirzepatide side effects are seen as the body adjusts to the medication or a higher dose. These typically include:

• Nausea (most frequently reported)
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Abdominal discomfort

Serious side effects

While less common, there is a potential for serious adverse effects that require medical attention:

• Hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Renal impairment
• Visual disturbances
• Gallbladder complications

Tirzepatide works best with a healthy diet and lifestyle

Weight loss medications like tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) work best when paired with proper nutrition. In clinical trials, people who lost weight on tirzepatide maintained a calorie deficit and exercised.

Additionally, GLP-1 drugs like tirzepatide reduce appetite, slow digestion, and may cause digestive side effects. This may make it harder for you to get the proper nutrition you need.

Lose weight with tirzepatide. Find a registered dietitian who accepts your insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the best tirzepatide dose for weight loss?

In a clinical trial, people on tirzepatide experienced an average of 15% weight loss on 5 mg, 19% on 10 mg, and 21% on 15 mg. Almost 60% of participants taking a 10 mg or 15 mg dose lost 20% of their body weight or more on tirzepatide.

What’s the best tirzepatide dose for sleep apnea?

In a study focusing on tirzepatide for sleep apnea, researchers started people on the 2.5 mg dose and increased the dose every 4 weeks until a maximum dose of 10 mg or 15 mg. It’s important to adjust dosage only under medical supervision.

Where to inject tirzepatide?

You can inject tirzepatide in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. The manufacturer, Lilly, recommends rotating the location of the dose to prevent skin irritation.

How long does it take for tirzepatide to work?

Tirzepatide starts working soon after you inject it, but it may take a month before you start seeing results.

What happens if I miss a dose of tirzepatide?

If you skip a dose of tirzepatide, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if more than 4 days have passed, take your dose on the next scheduled day. The manufacturer of tirzepatide, Lilly, cautions against taking 2 doses within 3 days of each other.

Why am I not losing weight on tirzepatide?

There may be many reasons why you’re not losing weight on tirzepatide. They include being on the starter dose of 2.5 mg, needing a higher dose, other underlying medical reasons or hormonal imbalances, not eating in a calorie deficit, not getting enough protein and dietary fiber, or not working out. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. A registered dietitian can also provide a personalized diet plan to help you lose weight on tirzepatide.

Get the best tirzepatide diet plan for you. Find a registered dietitian covered by your insurance.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.