Zepbound™ (Tirzepatide)

At Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss, our experienced team offers comprehensive, medically sound weight loss treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our clinic is led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Neil J. Zemmel and board-certified physician assistant Sarah Ashcraft, PA-C. We provide cutting-edge treatments — including GLP-1 medications like Zepbound™ (tirzepatide) — along with expert guidance and ongoing support to help you achieve your weight loss goals safely and effectively.

• What Is Zepbound?
• Zepbound Candidates
• Zepbound Treatment Process
• Zepbound Side Effects
• Zepbound Weight Loss
• Zepbound Results
• How Long to Stay on Zepbound
• Stopping Zepbound Usage
• Zepbound Safety
• Zepbound Cost

What Is Zepbound?™

Zepbound™ is a new and innovative weight loss injectable designed to help people manage their weight more effectively. It contains tirzepatide, which works by mimicking hormones in your body that regulate appetite and how full you feel after eating. By helping you feel fuller for longer, Zepbound™ can reduce your overall hunger and food intake. This comprehensive approach can make it easier for you to stick to your weight loss goals and achieve lasting results. Similar to other types of injectables that can also be used for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss, Zepbound™ provides a powerful tool for achieving and maintaining a healthier weight.

Who Is a Candidate for Zepbound?™

Candidates for Zepbound™ are typically those who:

• Have a BMI of 30 or higher
• Have a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol
• Have struggled with weight loss through diet and exercise alone
• Are committed to making lifestyle changes in conjunction with their medication

A consultation with Dr. Zemmel will help determine if a tirzepatide-containing medication like Zepbound™ is the right choice for your weight loss journey, or if an alternative such as semaglutide may be more appropriate.

What Does the Zepbound™ Treatment Process Involve?

While every patient has a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs, in general you can expect your Zepbound™ experience to begin with an initial consultation and health assessment. Based on this visit, you should receive personalized dosage and instructions on how and when to give yourself the injections. Regular follow-up appointments will help our team monitor your weight loss progress, allowing them to adjust your dosage as needed.

The Zepbound™ treatment typically involves a once-weekly injection of the tirzepatide drug. This routine injection should be straightforward to administer and can be done in the comfort of your own home after your provider has given you the necessary instructions. During and after your treatment with Zepbound™, our weight loss clinic is here to provide ongoing support to help you on your weight loss journey.

What Are the Side Effects of Zepbound?™

Like all medications, Zepbound™ can have certain side effects. Our team will go over these with you during your consultation to ensure you are well-informed before you begin treatment. The most common side effects of Zepbound™ include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain

These are typically mild and tend to decrease over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Dr. Zemmel and our medical team will closely monitor your response to the treatment and provide guidance to manage any side effects like these.

How Much Weight Can I Lose with Zepbound?™

Patients using Zepbound™ for weight loss often see significant results. Clinical trials have shown that many patients lose an average of up to 20% of their body weight. Individual results may vary based on factors such as how well you are able to follow your treatment plan, your dietary habits, and your physical activity.

When Will I Start Seeing Results with Zepbound™?

Many patients begin noticing changes in appetite within the first few weeks of starting Zepbound™, as the medication starts to help you feel fuller and reduces cravings. Meaningful weight loss typically becomes noticeable within the first one to two months, with more significant results building over three to six months as your dosage is gradually increased.

Because everyone responds differently, your results will depend on factors like your starting weight, dosage, and how closely you follow your treatment plan. Our team will track your progress at each follow-up visit and adjust your plan as needed to help you reach your goals.

How Long Should I Stay on Zepbound™?

Zepbound™ is intended to be used as part of a long-term weight management plan rather than a short-term fix. Most patients continue treatment for at least a year, since it can take this long to reach a healthy target weight and allow your body to adjust to that new weight. Dr. Zemmel and our team will work with you to determine an appropriate timeline based on your individual health goals, response to treatment, and any underlying conditions. For many patients, ongoing use at a maintenance dose is recommended to help sustain results.

What Happens If I Stop Zepbound™ Treatment?

Weight management medications like Zepbound™ work by helping regulate appetite and hunger signals, so stopping treatment can cause these signals to return to their previous levels. This often leads to an increase in appetite and, without continued lifestyle changes, some regain of weight that was lost during treatment.

If you’re considering stopping Zepbound™, we recommend speaking with our team first so we can help you create a plan to maintain your results, whether that means a gradual dose taper, continued lifestyle support, or transitioning to a maintenance approach.

Is Zepbound™ Safe for Long-Term Use?

Zepbound™ has been studied in clinical trials for extended periods and has shown a consistent safety profile for long-term use in appropriate candidates. As with any medication, ongoing monitoring is important to watch for side effects and ensure the treatment continues to be the right fit for you. Our team will schedule regular follow-up appointments throughout your treatment to monitor your health, review your progress, and address any concerns that come up along the way. This ongoing supervision is a key part of using Zepbound™ safely over time.

How Much Does Zepbound™ Cost?

At Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss, we offer tirzepatide injections like Zepbound™ at a cost of $650 per month. To help more patients afford this life-changing weight loss treatment, we accept most major health insurance providers, including Anthem/BCBS and TRICARE. If you do not have or choose not to use your insurance coverage, we also offer cash pay plans .

Curious if Zepbound™ is covered by your insurance? Visit our comprehensive list of employers who have offered anti-obesity medication coverage. To determine your eligibility for weight loss injection coverage, please check with your individual insurance plan to see if you are covered. You can also visit the Zepbound™ website to see if you may have coverage eligibility.

Learn if Zepbound™ Is Right for You

Start your weight loss journey with confidence and support at Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.