What’s the Difference Between Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound?

What’s the Difference Between Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound?

Introduction

 

If you’re researching weight loss medications, you’ve likely come across Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound. All three are FDA-approved for weight loss, but they work differently, deliver different results, and have different dosing schedules.

 

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound to help you (and your doctor) choose the best option for your health goals.

 

Quick Comparison Chart

Feature

Wegovy

Saxenda

Zepbound

Active Ingredient

Semaglutide

Liraglutide

Tirzepatide

Drug Class

GLP-1 receptor agonist

GLP-1 receptor agonist

GIP+GLP-1 receptor agonist

FDA Approval

Obesity / Overweight

Obesity / Overweight

Obesity / Overweight

Dosing Frequency

Weekly injection

Daily injection

Weekly injection

Average Weight Loss

~15% of body weight

5–8% of body weight

Up to 22.5% of body weight

First Approved

2021

2014

2023

Active Ingredient & How They Work

 

✅ Wegovy

  • Mimics the GLP-1 hormone
  • Reduces appetite, slows digestion, and regulates blood sugar
  • Helps you feel fuller longer and eat less

✅ Saxenda

  • Also a GLP-1 receptor agonist
  • Same pathway as Wegovy but less potent and requires daily injections

✅ Zepbound

  • Activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors
  • Dual action leads to greater appetite suppression and improved metabolism
  • Provides the highest recorded weight loss of the three options

Zepbound’s unique dual mechanism gives it a stronger metabolic advantage.

 

Weight Loss Results Comparison

Study Results

Wegovy

Saxenda

Zepbound

Average % Weight Loss

~15%

5–8%

Up to 22.5%

Typical Total Pounds Lost

30–40 lbs

10–20 lbs

50+ lbs (for some)

Timeframe

6–12 months

6–12 months

6–12 months

📚 Sources: STEP-1 Wegovy Trial, SCALE Saxenda Trial, SURMOUNT-1 Zepbound Trial

 

💡 Zepbound offers the greatest weight loss potential—especially for those with higher BMI or insulin resistance.

 

Dosing Differences

Medication

Starting Dose

Maintenance Dose

Frequency

Wegovy

0.25 mg → 2.4 mg/week

2.4 mg/week

Weekly injection

Saxenda

0.6 mg → 3.0 mg/day

3.0 mg/day

Daily injection

Zepbound

2.5 mg → up to 15 mg/week

5–15 mg/week

Weekly injection

✅ Weekly dosing (Wegovy, Zepbound) is generally preferred for convenience over daily Saxenda.

 

Common Side Effects

All three medications share similar digestive-related side effects, but some differences exist.

Side Effect

Wegovy

Saxenda

Zepbound

Nausea

✅ Common

✅ Common

✅ Common

Diarrhea / Constipation

✅ Common

✅ Common

✅ Common

Fatigue / Headache

✅ Sometimes

✅ Sometimes

✅ Sometimes

Gallbladder Issues

✅ Possible

✅ Possible

✅ Possible

Pancreatitis Risk

⚠️ Rare

⚠️ Rare

⚠️ Rare

📌 Patients with thyroid cancer history (MEN-2) should not use these medications.

 

Insurance Coverage & Cost

Factor

Wegovy

Saxenda

Zepbound

Coverage Status

Growing, varies

Growing, varies

Increasing (new)

U.S. Retail Price

~$1,300–$1,400/month

~$1,200/month

~$1,060/month

Canadian Price

~$500–$600/month

~$515–$700/month

~$450–$500/month

Savings Program

Link

Link

Link

💡 Savings cards can reduce costs significantly for commercially insured patients.

 

Which Medication Should You Choose?

 

✅ Choose Wegovy if:

  • You want strong weight loss results with a weekly dose
  • Your insurance covers FDA-approved weight loss meds
  • You are looking for a well-researched, trusted option

✅ Choose Zepbound if:

  • You want the strongest weight loss potential
  • You have insulin resistance, prediabetes, or higher BMI
  • You’re willing to be a bit more proactive with insurance or pay out-of-pocket

✅ Choose Saxenda if:

  • You want a daily injectable alternative
  • You tried Wegovy/Zepbound and didn’t tolerate them well
  • Your insurance covers Saxenda but not others

Final Thoughts

 

Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound are all powerful tools in the fight against obesity—but they’re not interchangeable.
 Choosing the right one depends on your weight loss goals, lifestyle preferences, medical history, and insurance access.

 

✔️ Wegovy: Great weight loss, weekly injection
 ✔️ Saxenda: Moderate weight loss, daily injection
 ✔️ Zepbound: Maximum weight loss potential, weekly injection

 

📌 For personalized support on qualifying, coverage tips, and pharmacy access, visit our Weight Loss Medication Guide.