Zepbound® vs Wegovy®
Zepbound (FDA-approved for chronic weight management) vs Wegovy (FDA-approved for chronic weight management) — one activates a single receptor, the other activates two. Here’s what the data shows.
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22.5%
Avg weight loss Zepbound*
From
$299/mo
Zepbound
June 2026
14.9%
Avg weight loss Wegovy*
From
$199/mo
Wegovy
June 2026
What are they?
Both are purpose-built for obesity treatment, but they use different molecules. Zepbound’s dual mechanism consistently produces higher average weight loss in clinical data.
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
Wegovy
Weight ManagementFDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI 30+) or overweight (BMI 27+) with at least one weight-related condition.
Maker
Novo Nordisk
Approved
2021
Format
Weekly injection or daily pill
Max dose
2.4 mg
Quick comparison
How they stack up on the metrics that matter most.
| Feature | Zepbound | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| FDA approved for | Weight Management | Weight loss |
| Avg weight loss | 22.5%† | 14.9%† |
| Administration | Weekly injection | Weekly injection or daily pill |
| Insurance | Limited | Limited |
| Monthly Price | From $299/mo | From $199/mo |
Zepbound
Tirzepatide
Wegovy
Semaglutide
Zepbound
Weight Management
Wegovy
Weight loss
Zepbound
22.5%†
Wegovy
14.9%†
Zepbound
Weekly injection
Wegovy
Weekly injection or daily pill
Zepbound
Limited
Wegovy
Limited
Zepbound
From $299/mo
Wegovy
From $199/mo
† Average weight loss data: Zepbound — SURMOUNT-1 (tirzepatide 15 mg, 72 weeks); Wegovy — STEP-1 (semaglutide 2.4 mg, 68 weeks).
More energy,
less weight
How you ramp up
Both medications use a gradual dose escalation to minimize side effects.
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)
Wegovy
- 1
0.25 mg
Weeks 1–4
- 2
0.5 mg
Weeks 5–8
- 3
1.0 mg
Weeks 9–12
- 4
1.7 mg
Weeks 13–16
- 5
2.4 mg
Weeks 17+
(Maintenance)
- 6
7.2 mg
Weeks 21+
(After 4+ wks at 2.4 mg)
Start your weight‑loss
journey today
Weight loss compared
Clinical trial data showing average body weight reduction over 68 weeks.
Zepbound (15 mg)
Wegovy (2.4 mg)
† Average weight loss data: Zepbound — SURMOUNT-1 (tirzepatide 15 mg, 72 weeks); Wegovy — STEP-1 (semaglutide 2.4 mg, 68 weeks).
What to expect
How they stack up on the metrics that matter most.
| Side Effect | Zepbound (15 mg) | Wegovy (2.4 mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 28% | 44% |
| Diarrhea | 23% | 30% |
| Vomiting | 13% | 24% |
| Constipation | 11% | 24% |
| Headache | N/A | 14% |
| Fatigue | 7% | 11% |
Zepbound (15 mg)
28%
Wegovy (2.4 mg)
44%
Zepbound (15 mg)
23%
Wegovy (2.4 mg)
30%
Zepbound (15 mg)
13%
Wegovy (2.4 mg)
24%
Zepbound (15 mg)
11%
Wegovy (2.4 mg)
24%
Zepbound (15 mg)
N/A
Wegovy (2.4 mg)
14%
Zepbound (15 mg)
7%
Wegovy (2.4 mg)
11%
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
- 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.
- Wegovy delivers substantial weight loss, weekly convenience, appetite control, and cardiovascular risk reduction backed by robust obesity-focused clinical trial evidence and safety data.
Providers may pay BestGLP1 a referral fee. We disclose this for FTC compliance; rankings remain editorial.
What you
need to know
In trials, Zepbound (tirzepatide 15 mg) produced an average weight loss of about 21%, compared to about 15% for Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg). Zepbound’s dual GIP/GLP-1 action consistently delivers stronger average results, though both are highly effective.
Yes, with provider guidance. Because the molecules differ, your provider will typically restart you at Zepbound’s lowest dose (2.5 mg weekly) and titrate up over several weeks to manage tolerability and side effects.
On average, Zepbound produces more weight loss in head-to-head data, but individual response varies. Tolerability, insurance coverage, and personal history with GLP-1 medications all factor into which is the better choice for a given patient.
Yes. Both Zepbound and Wegovy require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. A consultation is required to assess whether treatment is appropriate for you.
- 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.
- Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg). Trial: STEP 1 (1,961 participants, 68 weeks, adults with obesity/overweight without Type 2 Diabetes). Average weight loss: −14.9% vs −2.4% placebo. Wilding et al., NEJM 2021.
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.