Introduction

Zepbound and Ozempic are two of the most talked-about injectable medications for weight loss and metabolic health—but they are not the same. While both can support weight loss, they differ in FDA approval, effectiveness, mechanism of action, and insurance coverage.

If you’re comparing Zepbound and Ozempic for weight loss, this guide breaks down the key differences so you can choose the right option based on your health goals.

Quick Overview: Zepbound vs Ozempic

Feature	Zepbound	Ozempic
Active Ingredient	Tirzepatide	Semaglutide
Hormone Targeting	GLP-1 + GIP	GLP-1 only
FDA Approved For	Weight loss (obesity)	Type 2 diabetes
Weight Loss Use	On-label	Off-label
Average Weight Loss	Up to 22.5%	~10–15%
Injection Frequency	Weekly	Weekly
Insurance Coverage	Growing for weight loss	Stronger for diabetes

Learn more: Zepbound for Weight Loss – How It Works | Ozempic for Weight Loss – What You Need to Know

Weight Loss Effectiveness: Zepbound Leads

In clinical trials, Zepbound outperformed all other GLP-1 medications for total weight loss.

Dose	Zepbound (Tirzepatide)	Ozempic (Semaglutide)
Standard dose	Up to 22.5% body weight	~10–15% body weight
Total pounds lost	30–60+ lbs	15–30 lbs

Source: NEJM – SURMOUNT-1 Trial

Source: NEJM – Semaglutide STEP-1 Trial

Zepbound activates two hormonal pathways (GIP + GLP-1), giving it a unique fat-burning and appetite-regulating edge.

FDA Approval & Insurance Coverage

Category	Zepbound	Ozempic
FDA-approved for weight loss	Yes	No (for diabetes only)
Common coverage type	Commercial weight loss plans	Diabetes/Endocrinology coverage
Prior authorization	Often required	Often easier if diabetic

Ozempic is often covered for diabetes but may be denied if prescribed solely for weight loss.

See: How to Get Zepbound or Wegovy Covered by Insurance

Side Effects Comparison

Side Effect	Zepbound	Ozempic
Nausea	Common	Common
Diarrhea or constipation	Yes	Yes
Fatigue / Headache	Possible	Possible
Gallbladder issues	Rare	Rare
Pancreatitis risk	Rare	Rare

Both should be avoided in people with a personal or family history of MEN-2 or thyroid cancer.

Dosing Differences

Feature	Zepbound	Ozempic
Starting dose	2.5 mg/week	0.25 mg/week
Maintenance dose	5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg/week	1.0–2.0 mg/week
Delivery method	Single-use injection pen	Multi-dose pen (1 pen per month)

Zepbound allows for more flexible titration, with higher ceiling doses than Ozempic.

Cost Comparison

Source	Zepbound	Ozempic
U.S. Retail	~$1,060/month	~$900–$1,200/month
With Savings Card	As low as $25/month	As low as $25/month
Canadian Pharmacy	~$450–$500/month	~$419/month

Explore pricing: Zepbound vs Ozempic – Cost Breakdown

When to Choose Zepbound

You want maximum weight loss
You qualify for obesity treatment (BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidity)
You prefer a medication that’s FDA-approved for weight loss
You’re insulin-resistant or have plateaued on other medications

When to Choose Ozempic

You have Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
It’s better covered by your insurance
You’re starting with a lower dose and gradual titration
You’re transitioning from another semaglutide-based therapy

Final Thoughts

Zepbound and Ozempic are both powerful, GLP-1–based medications—but they serve slightly different purposes.

Zepbound is the top choice for FDA-approved weight loss, while Ozempic is primarily designed to manage Type 2 diabetes, though it’s frequently used off-label for weight loss.

Choose Zepbound if you want higher weight loss potential with weight-loss-specific approval
Choose Ozempic if you’re managing diabetes or if it’s the better-covered option for you

To find out which option is right for your goals, visit our GLP-1 Medication Match Tool.