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).