Can Zepbound Cause Body Aches? Understanding the Connection
Understanding weight loss medications can be tough because there are so many choices and possible side effects. Zepbound, a medication that has recently garnered popularity, stands out for its efficacy in weight reduction.
But, just like any medication, it might have some downsides that you should know about. A common question that people often ask is whether Zepbound can cause body aches.
In today’s article, we will explore the potential side effects of Zepbound, specifically focusing on whether it can cause body aches. We’ll examine the underlying reasons for such symptoms and provide detailed insights.
What is Zepbound?
Zepbound is a relatively new prescription medication approved by the FDA on November 8, 2023. It is used for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obesity) or 27 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related problems, like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
How Zepbound Works
Zepbound works by influencing feelings of fullness, boosting insulin sensitivity, and slowing the stomach’s emptying process.
By mimicking the hormones GLP-1 and GIP, it helps users stay fuller longer, potentially lowering calorie intake and assisting with weight loss. This makes it a promising solution for those who find it difficult to manage their weight through diet and exercise alone.
Side Effects
Like any other medication, Zepbound also has its potential side effects. There are some common side effects that may occur in more than 1 in 10 people:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, heartburn)
- Diarrhea
- Injection site reactions (pain, redness, bruising, swelling, or itching at the injection site)
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Burping (belching)
Severe Side Effects (rare, but seek immediate medical attention if you experience any):
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which could lead to dehydration and kidney problems
- Gallstones
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Low blood sugar
- Risk of thyroid cancer
Understanding Body Aches and Their Causes
Body aches can feel like discomfort, soreness, or pain all over. They can be mild or very painful and can affect different muscles or joints at the same time. It often feels like a constant, dull pain that can be tiring both physically and mentally.
Such aches can impair everyday activities, leading to decreased mobility and reduced quality of life.
Common Causes of Body Aches
Body aches can have various underlying causes, including:
- Viral infections (e.g., cold, flu)
- Bacterial infections (e.g., strep throat)
- Muscle strains or injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Stress or anxiety
Does Zepbound Cause Body Aches?
No, Zepbound does not directly cause body aches. But it might indirectly lead to body aches in some people. Here is some possible explanation:
As mentioned earlier, Zepbound slows down the stomach’s emptying process which makes you feel fuller for longer. This can decrease your calorie intake and potentially lead to weight loss. However, a sudden decrease in caloric intake can also cause fatigue and muscle soreness, especially if you are not used to it.
The second reason is that some people may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea while taking Zepbound. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and make it challenging to stay active or exercise which leads to decreased muscle strength and body aches.
So, while Zepbound does not directly cause body aches, it may indirectly contribute to them in some cases.
READ ALSO: Zepbound Can Cause Constipation: Here’s How to Find Relief
What You Can Do if You Experience Body Aches
If you’re feeling body aches while on Zepbound, don’t worry. There are a some easy steps to help ease the discomfort and keep the medication working well for you.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re dealing with side effects like vomiting or diarrhea. Staying hydrated helps prevent dehydration, which can cause muscle cramps and body aches.
- Eat Well: Make sure you’re getting enough essential nutrients, like proteins, vitamins, and minerals. A well-balanced diet can help reduce muscle soreness.
- Move a Little: Light to moderate exercise, like walking, stretching, or yoga, can help keep your muscles strong and flexible, and ease muscle tension.
- Rest Up: Give your body time to adjust to the new medication. Get plenty of sleep and take regular breaks during the day to rest your muscles.
- Pain Relief: For mild to moderate body aches, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Just be sure to check with your provider before taking any extra meds.
If your body aches persist or become severe, go for a doctor. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment options.
Alternatives to Zepbound if it doesn’t work for you
If Zepbound is not working well for you or if the side effects are too bothersome, there are several other FDA-approved alternatives for weight management that you might consider. Here are a few options:
Injectable GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
- Wegovy (semaglutide): An injectable for weight management that mimics the GLP-1 hormone to control appetite and insulin. Combined with diet and exercise, it helps reduce body weight but can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Saxenda (liraglutide): An injectable option for chronic weight management, Saxenda regulates hormones to control blood sugar and appetite, leading to weight loss. It may cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects than Zepbound but requires monitoring for other side effects.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes but is sometimes used for weight loss. It has the same ingredient as Zepbound, which helps control blood sugar and hunger. It works well, but insurance might not cover it for weight loss, and it can have similar side effects to Zepbound.
Oral Medications
- Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate): Qsymia is an oral medication that aids weight management by suppressing appetite and boosting fullness. It may cause side effects like increased heart rate and insomnia. Best results occur with a low-calorie diet and exercise.
- Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion): This prescription aids weight management by reducing appetite and cravings. Possible side effects include nausea, headache, and dry mouth. Best results with diet and exercise.
- Orlistat (Alli, Xenical): Orlistat helps with weight loss by blocking fat absorption in the gut. This can cause weight loss but may also lead to side effects like oily stools and gas. It’s available by prescription and over-the-counter as a lower dose called Alli.
Make sure to consult with your doctor before switching medications to discuss your medical history, current health condition, and any other medications you may be taking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Zepbound can be an effective tool for weight management, it may come with some side effects, including indirectly causing body aches. Staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in light exercise, and getting enough rest can help reduce these symptoms.
If Zepbound doesn’t work for you, there are several FDA-approved alternatives to consider in consultation with your healthcare provider.
FAQs
How do you reduce the side effects of Zepbound?
To reduce the side effects of Zepbound, stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, engage in light exercise, and get plenty of rest. If symptoms persist, consult with your doctor for further guidance.
Can Zepbound cause muscle pain?
Yes, while Zepbound does not directly cause muscle pain, some people may experience muscle pain indirectly due to side effects like fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, or decreased caloric intake. If you experience muscle pain, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider.
When do Zepbound side effects start?
Zepbound side effects can start at any time following the first dose, but their onset varies. Immediate side effects, such as injection site reactions like pain, redness, or bruising, can occur right after administration. Other side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and indigestion, are more likely to appear within the first few days after injection. It’s important to remember that not everyone will experience these side effects.
Is Zepbound safe for long-term use?
Zepbound is a new medication approved by the FDA in November 2023, and its long-term safety is still being studied. There haven’t been long-term human studies yet to confirm its safety over many years. In animal studies, the main ingredient, tirzepatide, caused thyroid tumors and cancer. However, animal study results don’t always apply to humans. More human studies are needed to understand Zepbound’s long-term effects better.
Resources
- FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management
- Zepbound Official Site. Zepbound Overview
- MedicalNewsToday. Zepbound side effects: What you should know
