- Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 medication with up to 22.5% weight loss in clinical trials
- PEAK prescribes FDA-approved Zepbound only — never compounded tirzepatide
- Insurance navigation including prior authorization and appeal support
- Also approved for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea
Why Choose PEAK for Zepbound
If you are looking for Zepbound weight loss treatment in Virginia, PEAK Wellness & Aesthetics in Chesapeake provides what telehealth-only clinics and med spas cannot — an in-person clinical program with real insurance support and hands-on medical care.
We prescribe only FDA-approved medications. That means Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) — never compounded or off-label versions. Every patient receives a thorough clinical evaluation, not a five-minute video call.
Our team includes a registered dietitian who works alongside your prescribing clinician to build a nutrition plan that supports your medication. We handle insurance verification, prior authorizations, and appeals. We accept most major insurance plans including TRICARE, Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Sentara.
Compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved and may vary in purity, potency, and dosing consistency. PEAK prescribes only the FDA-approved branded formulation of Zepbound to ensure your safety and treatment effectiveness.
What Is Zepbound?
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved medication for chronic weight management. Unlike single-action GLP-1 medications, Zepbound is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist — meaning it targets two hormones involved in appetite regulation and metabolism.
In the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial, patients using Zepbound at the highest dose (15 mg) alongside lifestyle changes lost an average of 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks. It is administered as a once-weekly injection, with doses gradually increased over the first several months to minimize side effects.
In December 2024, Zepbound also received FDA approval for the treatment of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, making it the first medication approved for both weight management and sleep apnea.
Zepbound activates both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors. This dual action may contribute to greater appetite reduction and weight loss compared to GLP-1-only medications.
Zepbound vs. Wegovy
Both Zepbound and Wegovy are FDA-approved for chronic weight management, but they work differently. Wegovy (semaglutide) targets the GLP-1 receptor alone, while Zepbound (tirzepatide) targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
In head-to-head clinical data, tirzepatide has demonstrated potentially greater weight loss than semaglutide. However, the best medication for you depends on your medical history, insurance coverage, and clinical profile. Insurance coverage for Zepbound is still evolving and may differ significantly from Wegovy coverage depending on your plan.
Your clinician at PEAK will help you evaluate both options and choose the medication that makes the most clinical and financial sense for your situation.
Who Qualifies for Zepbound?
Zepbound is FDA-approved for adults who meet specific clinical criteria:
- BMI of 30 or higher (obesity)
- BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obstructive sleep apnea
Zepbound is also FDA-approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, regardless of BMI thresholds used for weight management.
Boxed warning: Zepbound carries an FDA boxed warning for risk of thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodent studies. It is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2). Your clinician will review your full medical history during your evaluation.
Insurance Coverage for Zepbound in Virginia
Insurance coverage for Zepbound is still developing and varies more than coverage for Wegovy. Some plans cover Zepbound for weight management, others cover it only for sleep apnea, and some do not yet include it on their formulary. Our team handles this complexity on your behalf.
We work with most major insurance plans and handle prior authorizations and appeals:
- TRICARE
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
- Sentara Health Plans
Note: We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid (including Medicaid managed care plans such as Anthem HealthKeepers Plus).
Zepbound prior authorizations can be more complex than those for Wegovy. Our team handles the entire process — including appeals when an initial request is denied — so you know your coverage status before committing to treatment.
Getting Started
Your first visit at PEAK is a 45–60 minute in-person clinical evaluation. Your provider will review your medical history, order or review labs, discuss your weight loss goals, and determine if Zepbound is the right fit. If appropriate, you may receive your first injection at this visit.
Follow-up appointments allow your clinician to monitor progress, adjust dosing, manage any side effects, and coordinate with our registered dietitian on your nutrition plan.
Serving Hampton Roads and Eastern Virginia
PEAK Wellness & Aesthetics is located in Chesapeake and serves patients from across Virginia, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, Portsmouth, and the broader Hampton Roads region. Our in-person clinical model provides a level of care that telehealth-only providers cannot match.
PEAK Wellness & Aesthetics
221 Mount Pleasant Rd., Suite A, Chesapeake, VA 23322
Phone: (757) 312-9444
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Parking: Free parking available on-site
Access: Convenient access from I-64, I-464, and Battlefield Boulevard
Dual-action weight loss with the clinical support to make it work.
