Beginning the Zepbound journey

Start at the lowest dose and work your way up to the dosage your body can tolerate. Be ready to be extremely tired, have a headache that comes and goes, and be sure to receive medication for nausea. That being said, my primary symptom is skin sensitivity. At times, the bedsheet bothers me so much when touching my legs. It's a weird feeling. That being said, many days I have no desire for food whatsoever, and that has made my weight loss journey easier than ever. Eat lots of protein. And eat some more protein. Good luck!

Get a refferal to RD , preferably one who specialty is weight control.

I'm 76, on Zepbound for 8 months, 58 lb weight loss. Appetite has decreased as expected, but I didn't anticipate dramatic changes in taste. (I also have some loss of smell after a viral infection and this may be part of the issue.) I'm now very sensitive to artificial flavors like fake vanilla. Some fresh leafy greens taste like they are rotten. Many foods are overly sweet. Former favorites are unpalatable. My food choices are complicated because I basically don't cook. My current diet is mostly muesli, yogurt, kefir, raw carrots, Panera soups, fruit and protein smoothies, commercial protein drinks, occasional hamburgers, vegetarian frozen entrees, some supplements, and so on.

I'm hoping other people can share if they are having the same issues and how you have figured out what to eat after radical changes in taste. There are no in-person support groups near me so I'm not sure where to get advice.

Hi @jennyinindy. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. So that you can chat with others also talking about their tirzepatide (Zepbound) journeys, I've moved your post here:

- Beginning the Zepbound journey https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/beginning-the-zepbound-journey/

Hoping you can connect with others here such as @cabby and @merrychristmas @mef46. They can let you know if they have also experienced changes in taste with this medication.

Has the doctor who prescribed the shots for you weighed in on the issue of changing taste? If so, what did he or she say?

I am a 66 year old male and started my GLP-1 journey about 8 weeks ago. I am medically described as obese, pre-diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, etc. On the 2.5 mm dose and hope to stay here for a while as I have lost 25 pounds to date. The drug is helping me stay full, so cravings for food are low. I haven't noticed changes in taste or smell. I am a vegetarian and have re-focussed on healthy options for my diet. Currently my refrigerator has avocados, lentil soup, tofu, yogurt and other high protein items. I do take supplements and drink lots of water to help with the constipation.

I am also meeting monthly with a dietician to help guide me through healthy food options. One important thing to remember - portion size. As I am not as hungry as previously, my dinner plate has lesser amounts but the food is a higher quality than previously.

@jennyinindy First let me start out with congrats with wt loss!
Yes , Zepbound can change your sense of taste which is a common effect of GLP 1 drug

Congrats on starting this journey! I’ve been on zepbound since April and have lost about 45 lbs. I’m doing it slowly, focused on high protein and low ish carbs but nothing radical. I get constipated and recently have realized that I’ve lost muscle. I have not been exercising but now am starting to. When I don’t eat enough protein I tire very easily. I don’t feel ok when I don’t drink enough water. Those are easily correctable. I’m losing hair but so far not extreme. My dermatologist recently suggested minoxidil 5% for hair loss. The foam version only. But generally I am feeling great. I keep staring at myself in the mirror because I barely recognize myself. I keep buying clothes and returning them as I try to find sizes that fit. I don’t think I’ve been this size since sometime in my 30’s and it is exciting. After all of those years struggling with my weight, I’m finally winning the battle. That’s a wonderful feeling.
Hang in there with this journey. It may take time to figure out how to make it work for you (what to eat, not eat, when to splurge/not splurge, etc.). But it’s worth sticking with it. There are lots of support groups out there to help (this is one, also Facebook groups and lots others if you look for them).

Subject: 8 Weeks In: 23lbs Down & Focusing on the Long Game!

Hi everyone! I’m two months into my GLP-1 journey using Zepbound (currently on the 5.0 mg dosage) and feeling incredibly encouraged. I’ve lost 23 pounds so far, but what I’m most excited about isn’t just the number on the scale—it’s the shift toward sustainable wellness.

I’m really focused on making these changes stick for the long term. To keep myself accountable and share what I’m learning about nutrition and habit-building, I’ve been documenting my progress and thoughts on my YouTube channel, RobsGLP1Journey.

It’s been a learning curve, but seeing the results has made it so worth it. For those of you who have been on this path longer: What was the biggest "aha moment" you had during your first few months that helped you stay focused on long-term health rather than just quick results?

Can’t wait to hear your stories!
— Rob

I am 72 YO woman, down 60 lbs in one year on zepbound and am now at goal weight. Started on 2.5 for a month and have stayed on 5.0 dose for the rest.

Non-scale victories have been remarkable - inflammation from sarcoidosis in my lungs has virtually vanished making it easier for me to breathe than for the last 30 years, I’m off blood pressure meds, cholesterol is way down, I have a new wardrobe, so many compliments from others, and I have much more energy.

Learnings from the journey - drink lots of water, focus on protein, I eat at home much more often than out so I know what I’m taking for calories, I log everything I eat although I know many who don’t- helps me know if I’m on track for the day. Fast weight loss can lead to hair loss regardless of the drug so be careful on losing too quickly. Day to day weight loss can vary based on water retention, bowel movements, and other factors so don’t be overly concerned on a single day change, look at trends. Constipation is an issue for many- I take mag07 every day and have read that others are helped by prunes, water, fiber, and small does of miralax.

A support group has helped. This forum plus a Facebook site “women over 60 on glp-1s” have been a wealth of info. Good to learn what others are experiencing and how they are dealing with concerns. I have no problem being quiet with others who ask how I did it as there are so many opinions on whether taking a drug is good or bad. I simply say, “like every single person who loses this amount of weight, I eat less.”

Good luck on your journey. Hoping for many non-scale victories in addition to the ones you see when you weigh in. Remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

@robglp1journey I can’t find it on YouTube