Introduction

Choosing the right weight loss medication can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to injectable options like Zepbound and Saxenda. While both are FDA-approved for weight loss, they differ in how they’re taken, how they work, and how much weight you’ll likely lose.

In this blog, we compare Zepbound vs Saxenda to help you decide which treatment better fits your lifestyle and weight loss goals.

Quick Overview

Feature	Zepbound	Saxenda
Active Ingredient	Tirzepatide	Liraglutide
Hormone Action	GLP-1 + GIP	GLP-1 only
Injection Frequency	Weekly	Daily
FDA Approval	Obesity (2023)	Obesity (2014)
Average Weight Loss	15–22.5%	5–8%

Both are GLP-1 medications, but Zepbound has an additional hormone (GIP) for added metabolic effects.

Effectiveness for Weight Loss

Medication	Avg. Weight Loss	Study Source
Zepbound	Up to 22.5%	SURMOUNT-1 Trial
Saxenda	~6–8%	SCALE Trial

Zepbound consistently delivers 2–3x more weight loss than Saxenda, especially for patients with obesity or insulin resistance.

Dosing & Convenience

Zepbound

• Inject once a week
• Comes in a prefilled, single-use pen
• Easier to maintain long-term

Saxenda

• Inject every day at the same time
• Multi-dose pen
• Requires consistent daily routine

If you’re looking for a more convenient option, Zepbound is the clear winner.

Hormonal Differences

Hormone	Zepbound	Saxenda
GLP-1
GIP

Zepbound’s dual-action hormone profile:

• Enhances appetite control
• Boosts insulin sensitivity
• May reduce visceral fat more effectively

Side Effects

Side Effect	Zepbound	Saxenda
Nausea	Common	Common
Fatigue	Sometimes	Mild cases
Constipation	Sometimes	Sometimes
Injection Burn	Rare	Sometimes reported

Both medications recommend gradual titration to help reduce side effects.

Insurance & Cost

Factor	Zepbound	Saxenda
FDA-Approved for Obesity	Yes	Yes
Insurance Coverage	With prior auth	With prior auth
U.S. Retail Price	~$1,060/month	~$1,200/month
Canadian Price	~$450–$500	~$515–$700
Savings Card	Zepbound	Saxenda

Both offer manufacturer savings cards, but Saxenda tends to be slightly more expensive.

Who Should Choose Zepbound?

Ideal for:

• Those needing significant weight loss
• Patients with insulin resistance, PCOS, or prediabetes
• Busy people who prefer weekly dosing
• Individuals who haven’t had success with other GLP-1s

Who Might Prefer Saxenda?

Consider Saxenda if:

• You’re comfortable with daily injections
• You have insurance that specifically covers Liraglutide
• You prefer a medication with a longer safety track record

Final Thoughts

Both Zepbound and Saxenda are FDA-approved and effective, but Zepbound stands out for its:

Superior fat loss
Once-weekly dosing
Enhanced hormonal effect with GIP

Saxenda may be more familiar to providers and insurers—but Zepbound is often the better fit for those looking for maximum, sustained weight loss.

Visit our GLP-1 Comparison Tool for side-by-side charts, downloadable guides, and pre-qualification checklists.