As another obesity-fighting drug takes center stage, a nutrition expert warns that weight loss shouldn't be the only goal

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Mandy Conrad, Mississippi State University

(THE CONVERSATION) If the buzz surrounding a medication could elevate it to celebrity status, then Zepbound is reaching Taylor Swift rank.

Zepbound is the newest addition to the weight loss drug arena. In November 2023, it joined the list of obesity-fighting drugs – administered as an injection – to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The key to Zepbound’s weight loss potential is its active ingredient, tirzepatide. This is the same active ingredient found in the drug Mounjaro, which is approved to treat Type 2 diabetes.

The relationship between Zepbound and Mounjaro is similar to two other popular drugs making headlines, Wegovy and Ozempic. Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain the active ingredient semaglutide, with Wegovy approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and Ozempic approved for the treatment of obesity.

Tirzepatide and semaglutide both mimic the digestive hormone GLP-1, which is released by the intestines when we eat to stimulate insulin...