Introduction

Choosing the right injectable weight loss medication can be confusing—especially when you’re comparing Zepbound, Saxenda, and Wegovy. All three are FDA-approved for chronic weight management, but they differ in how they work, how much weight you can lose, and how often you have to inject.

This guide will help you compare Zepbound vs Saxenda vs Wegovy so you can decide which option best fits your weight loss goals and lifestyle.

Quick Snapshot

Feature	Zepbound	Wegovy	Saxenda
Active Ingredient	Tirzepatide	Semaglutide (2.4 mg)	Liraglutide (3 mg)
Hormone Type	GLP-1 + GIP	GLP-1 only	GLP-1 only
Injection Frequency	Weekly	Weekly	Daily
FDA Approved For	Weight Loss (2023)	Weight Loss (2021)	Weight Loss (2014)
Avg. Weight Loss	15–22.5%	10–16%	5–8%

All three are injectable, but Zepbound and Wegovy are weekly, while Saxenda requires daily injections.

How They Work

Zepbound (tirzepatide)

• Activates GLP-1 and GIP receptors
• Dual action suppresses appetite and improves metabolic function
• Strongest overall weight loss in clinical trials

Wegovy (semaglutide)

• Mimics GLP-1 hormone
• Slows digestion and reduces hunger signals
• High-dose version of Ozempic, formulated for weight loss

Saxenda (liraglutide)

• Also a GLP-1 receptor agonist
• Taken daily
• Older version with more modest results

Weight Loss Results

Medication	Avg. Body Weight Loss	Study Source
Zepbound	Up to 22.5%	SURMOUNT-1 Trial
Wegovy	~15%	STEP-1 Trial
Saxenda	~6–8%	SCALE Trial

Zepbound consistently delivers the strongest results, followed by Wegovy, with Saxenda offering more modest loss.

Dosing Schedule

Medication	Frequency	Pros	Cons
Zepbound	Weekly	Convenient, strong results	Newer, may have insurance delays
Wegovy	Weekly	High success rate, familiar option	Can be hard to find in stock
Saxenda	Daily	Longest history, consistent dosing	Less convenient, daily injection

If you struggle with routine, weekly injections (Zepbound or Wegovy) may be easier to stick with.

Side Effects Comparison

Side Effect	Zepbound	Wegovy	Saxenda
Nausea	Common	Common	Common
Vomiting	Sometimes	Sometimes	Sometimes
Constipation	Occasionally	Occasionally	Occasionally
Injection Fatigue	Rare	Rare	More common due to daily dose

Cost, Coverage & Access

Medication	Retail Price (U.S.)	Canadian Price	Savings Program
Zepbound	~$1,060/month	~$450–$500	Zepbound Card
Wegovy	~$1,349/month	~$599–$699	Wegovy Card
Saxenda	~$1,200/month	~$515–$700	Saxenda Card

All three may be covered by insurance if you meet BMI criteria and get prior authorization.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Zepbound if:

• You want the most powerful weight loss results
• You prefer once-weekly injections
• You have insulin resistance, PCOS, or prediabetes
• You haven’t had success with Wegovy or Saxenda

Choose Wegovy if:

• You prefer semaglutide (the Ozempic ingredient)
• You already have insurance coverage or past success
• You want a weekly injection with a strong track record

Choose Saxenda if:

• You’re comfortable with daily injections
• You have better insurance coverage for older medications
• You’re just starting out and want a slower introduction to GLP-1 therapy

Final Thoughts

While all three injectables are approved for weight loss, the right one depends on your lifestyle, insurance access, and health history.

Zepbound = most weight loss, newest, dual-action
Wegovy = reliable, high-performing GLP-1
Saxenda = longest history, daily format, still effective

Visit our GLP-1 Comparison Page to download our full side-by-side chart, explore pricing, and connect with providers who can help you get started.