Ozempic® vs Zepbound®
Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes; Zepbound is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Different mechanisms, different approved uses.
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4.9%
Avg weight loss Ozempic*
From
$199/mo
Ozempic
June 2026
22.5%
Avg weight loss Zepbound*
From
$299/mo
Zepbound
June 2026
What are they?
Two weekly injections with different active molecules — Ozempic uses semaglutide, Zepbound uses tirzepatide — and they’re approved for very different conditions.
Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss. Wegovy is the FDA-approved semaglutide formulation for chronic weight management.
Ozempic
Type 2 DiabetesFDA-approved to improve blood sugar in adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Some patients using semaglutide as part of a comprehensive medical program may also experience reduced hunger and meaningful weight reduction over time.
Maker
Novo Nordisk
Approved
2017
Format
Weekly injection
Max dose
2.0 mg
Zepbound
Weight ManagementFDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI 30+) or overweight (BMI 27+) with at least one weight-related condition. Uses the same dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism as Mounjaro at equivalent doses.
Maker
Eli Lilly
Approved
2024
Format
Weekly injection
Max dose
15 mg
Quick comparison
How they stack up on the metrics that matter most.
| Feature | Ozempic | Zepbound |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| FDA approved for | Type 2 diabetes | Weight Management |
| Avg weight loss | 4.9%† | 22.5%† |
| Administration | Weekly injection | Weekly injection |
| Insurance | Broader | Limited |
| Monthly Price | From $199/mo | From $299/mo |
Ozempic
Semaglutide
Zepbound
Tirzepatide
Ozempic
Type 2 diabetes
Zepbound
Weight Management
Ozempic
4.9%†
Zepbound
22.5%†
Ozempic
Weekly injection
Zepbound
Weekly injection
Ozempic
Broader
Zepbound
Limited
Ozempic
From $199/mo
Zepbound
From $299/mo
† Average weight loss data: Ozempic — SUSTAIN-1 (semaglutide 1.0 mg, 30 weeks); Zepbound — SURMOUNT-1 (tirzepatide 15 mg, 72 weeks).
More energy,
less weight
How you ramp up
Both medications use a gradual dose escalation to minimize side effects.
Ozempic
- 1
0.25 mg
Weeks 1–4
- 2
0.5 mg
Weeks 5–8
- 3
1.0 mg
Weeks 9+
(Maintenance)
- 4
2.0 mg
Optional max dose
Zepbound
- 1
2.5 mg
Weeks 1–4
- 2
5 mg
Weeks 5–8
- 3
7.5 mg
Weeks 9–12
- 4
10 mg
Weeks 13–16
- 5
12.5 mg
Weeks 17–20
- 6
15 mg
Weeks 21+
(Maintenance)
Start your weight‑loss
journey today
Weight loss compared
Clinical trial data showing average body weight reduction over 68 weeks.
Ozempic (1 mg)
Zepbound (15 mg)
† Average weight loss data: Ozempic — SUSTAIN-1 (semaglutide 1.0 mg, 30 weeks); Zepbound — SURMOUNT-1 (tirzepatide 15 mg, 72 weeks).
What to expect
How they stack up on the metrics that matter most.
| Side Effect | Ozempic (1 mg) | Zepbound (15 mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 20.3% | 28% |
| Diarrhea | 8.8% | 23% |
| Vomiting | 9.2% | 13% |
| Constipation | 3.1% | 11% |
| Headache | N/A | N/A |
| Fatigue | N/A | 7% |
Ozempic (1 mg)
20.3%
Zepbound (15 mg)
28%
Ozempic (1 mg)
8.8%
Zepbound (15 mg)
23%
Ozempic (1 mg)
9.2%
Zepbound (15 mg)
13%
Ozempic (1 mg)
3.1%
Zepbound (15 mg)
11%
Ozempic (1 mg)
N/A
Zepbound (15 mg)
N/A
Ozempic (1 mg)
N/A
Zepbound (15 mg)
7%
Side effects may be more noticeable during dose escalation, but individual experiences vary and some risks can be serious. GLP-1 medications are not appropriate for everyone. Review important warnings, contraindications, and the FDA label or Medication Guide with a licensed healthcare provider before starting or switching treatment.
The bottom line
Branded GLP-1 medications can offer effective weight loss, requiring individualized risk-benefit clinical evaluation.
Two different GLP-1 options
- Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, with blood-sugar control, weekly dosing convenience, and cardiovascular benefits supported by large clinical trials and long-term safety data.
- Zepbound is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in eligible adults and has shown substantial average weight loss in clinical trials, with weekly dosing and medical supervision.
Providers may pay BestGLP1 a referral fee. We disclose this for FTC compliance; rankings remain editorial.
What you
need to know
Switching from Ozempic to Zepbound is a medical decision. Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in eligible adults. Your provider can determine whether a switch is appropriate and how to manage dosing safely.
Zepbound’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Ozempic’s active ingredient, semaglutide, activates GLP-1 receptors. Zepbound is FDA-approved for chronic weight management; Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, so trial populations, doses, and approved uses should be considered when comparing outcomes.
Trial data shows tirzepatide has somewhat higher rates of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, particularly during dose escalation. These symptoms may improve for some patients, but they do not resolve for everyone and serious risks are possible. Your provider should review your medical history, contraindications, and the FDA labeling before starting or switching treatment.
Yes. Both Ozempic and Zepbound require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. A consultation is required to assess whether treatment is appropriate for you.
- Ozempic (semaglutide 1.0 mg). Trial: SUSTAIN 1 (388 participants, 30 weeks, adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on diet and exercise). Average weight loss: −4.9% vs −1.0% placebo. Sorli et al., Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017.
- Zepbound (tirzepatide 5/10/15 mg). Trial: SURMOUNT-1 (2,539 participants, 72 weeks, adults with obesity/overweight without Type 2 Diabetes). Average weight loss by dose: 5 mg: −16.0%, 10 mg: −21.4%, 15 mg: −22.5% vs −2.4% placebo. Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2022.
BestGLP1 publishes these guides for informational and comparison purposes only. The information on this site is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not a substitute for guidance from a licensed healthcare professional. GLP-1 medications must be prescribed and monitored by a qualified provider; consult your provider to determine whether treatment is appropriate for your individual circumstances. Prices, side-effect rates, and clinical figures shown here are general references drawn from manufacturer labelling and published trials, and may not reflect your specific situation.
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Providers may pay BestGLP1 a referral fee. We disclose this for FTC compliance; rankings remain editorial.