Zepbound is prescribed in doses in the amount of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, and 15mg. When it comes to finding the right dose, there are two main approaches: maximum tolerable and smallest effective. The first focuses on taking the highest dosage you can handle without significant side effects, while the latter prioritizes the lowest dose that still provides benefits—such as weight loss and appetite suppression—without unnecessary discomfort.

I started my titration journey with 2.5mg and 5mg, both of which I tolerated well. Moving from 5.0mg to 7.5mg came with a few days of side effects, but they subsided quickly. I took my time with each increase, spacing them 30 days apart to allow my body to adjust.

However, when I moved up to 10mg on January 16, I ran into some real challenges. I already struggle with acid reflux, and the increase made it significantly worse—so much so that even twice-daily prescription-strength medication couldn’t keep it under control. Additionally, the appetite suppression was too intense. I found myself eating just once a day, barely reaching 1,200 calories, which isn’t enough for my 6-foot frame.

With a big vacation to Europe coming up, I don’t want to feel restricted when it comes to food, nor do I want to risk inadequate nutrition while exploring new cities and being active every day. Today I messaged my doctor to request moving back down to 7.5mg.

If I were strictly following the smallest effective dose method, I might still be on 5.0mg, as it was working well for me. But for now, I’ll stick with 7.5mg—a balance between effectiveness and tolerability.