How I Lost 70 Pounds and What I Learned
When people ask how I lost 70 pounds in seven months, I tell them the truth: I had help. Not from a trainer or a miracle diet (although, those probably wouldn’t have hurt), but from a weekly injection called Tirzepatide, known by its brand name Zepbound.
It wasn’t magic. It was science, discipline, and a big dose of self-awareness. Between December and July, I went from 334 pounds down to 259. Here’s exactly how it happened, what it felt like, and what I’d tell anyone thinking about trying it.
What Is Tirzepatide (Zepbound)?
Tirzepatide is part of a new generation of weight-loss medications designed to regulate hunger and blood sugar. It’s a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the effects of two hormones that tell your brain you’re full and help control how your body processes glucose. Originally approved for Type 2 diabetes (under the name Mounjaro), it later earned FDA approval for chronic weight management as Zepbound. In short: it helps you eat less by changing how your body and brain respond to food.
Why I Decided to Try It
By December, I was at my heaviest weight—334 pounds. Stopping going to the gym due to a certain pandemic, along with keeping the eating habits I had when I was in the gym six days a week, resulted in disaster. I knew nutrition fundamentals but couldn’t control constant urges to snack and overeat. Tirzepatide targeted cravings directly. After consulting with my doctor, we started on a low dose with the goal of sustainable loss and habit rebuilding.
Month-by-Month Progress
December: 334 lbs (starting point, mild nausea)
January: 320 lbs (hunger dropped, portions smaller)
February: 305 lbs (cravings gone, acid reflux appeared)
March: 292 lbs (energy up, mild fatigue)
April: 279 lbs (smaller meals natural)
May: 269 lbs (noticed hair thinning)
June: 265 lbs (zero desire for sweets)
July: 259 lbs (total loss: 75 lbs, focused on maintenance).
Appetite and Cravings
Within two weeks, I noticed something new: silence around food. The constant background noise about snacks and meals was gone. I’d look at chips and feel indifferent. Portion sizes dropped naturally, and I no longer needed willpower—it came built-in.
Diet and Exercise
Even with reduced appetite, I focused on high protein (150–180g daily), fiber-rich carbs, and healthy fats. Because I filled up fast, hitting protein goals required planning. Exercise started with walks and grew to strength training three times a week—using a hybrid bro split (chest/back, shoulders/arms, and legs). By month four, I was lifting consistently, preserving muscle.
Side Effects
The biggest downsides were acid reflux, morning nausea, and mild hair loss. Reflux came from slower digestion—eating earlier and avoiding spice helped. Nausea passed after an hour most mornings. Hair shedding (telogen effluvium) appeared around month five but stabilized with protein and collagen.
Mental and Emotional Changes
Without constant hunger, mental clarity improved. I could focus again. I didn’t feel bad having a cheat meal every week. The biggest change was feeling comfortable in my old clothes again. The drug provided control, but not using food as a crutch during stressful times still took a lot of effort.
Lessons Learned
1. It’s not a shortcut—it makes healthy habits easier.
2. Hydration is critical.
3. Hair loss is often temporary.
4. Resistance training preserves muscle.
5. You still have to show up—habits matter most.
Maintenance Phase
I have put some weight back on, but that was expected as I’ve started hitting the gym harder. I’m sitting at around 270lbs, which is a comfortable weight for me at 6’6″.
I’m lifting at least three days a week, trying to get a cardio session or two in on days I’m not strength training, keeping my protein intake at a higher level, and maintaining hydration – water can be a huge help in feeling full.
Coming off the medication gradually is key—hunger suppression fades. The goal now is building habits that last beyond injections.
The Science Behind Results
Studies show users can lose approximately 20–25% of their body weight over 72 weeks (Jastreboff et al., 2022, New England Journal of Medicine). Tirzepatide delays gastric emptying (Frias et al., 2021, Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism), blunts post-meal glucose spikes (Min & Bain, 2021, Nature Metabolism), and reduces appetite and energy intake through dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor activity. Direct evidence of ghrelin suppression in humans remains limited, but appetite reduction is well documented across clinical trials.
Cost and Accessibility
Without insurance, Zepbound costs about $1,000–$1,200/month. Savings programs and telehealth providers can lower costs. Regular doctor check-ins and lab monitoring are essential.
Is It Worth It?
Zepbound isn’t a magic bullet—it’s a tool you can use to help establish healthy eating patterns. It helped me regain control over eating habits and gave me momentum. It still required smart eating, exercise, and consistency. The medication opened the door, but I had to walk through it.
My Biggest Takeaway
Losing 70 pounds changed my relationship with food, discipline, and self-trust. Zepbound gave me control and perspective. Used responsibly, it’s one of the most effective modern tools against obesity. After a pretty unhealthy relationship with food/eating habits, Zepbound was a great reset for me.
Final Thoughts
Would I do it again? Absolutely—but with eyes wide open. Tirzepatide isn’t an easy way out; it’s a way in. The real weight I lost wasn’t just on the scale—it was the burden of being trapped by food.
Disclaimer: This article reflects my personal experience and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
References
Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. *New England Journal of Medicine*, 387(3), 205–216.
Frias, J.P. et al. (2021). Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. *New England Journal of Medicine*, 385(6), 503–515.
Min, T., Bain, S.C. (2021). The Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and GIP in Glycemic Control and Weight Management. *Nature Metabolism*, 3(2), 189–200.
Ludvik, B. et al. (2021). Effects of Tirzepatide in People with Type 2 Diabetes: Mechanistic Insights from Randomized Clinical Trials. *Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism*, 23(9), 2046–2055.
