Introduction

Zepbound and Saxenda are both FDA-approved medications for weight loss—and both work by targeting your body’s GLP-1 hormone pathway. But they’re not the same.

Zepbound is a newer, dual-hormone therapy with weekly dosing and greater weight loss results. Saxenda is a daily injection with a longer track record. So which is better for your goals?

In this guide, we compare Zepbound vs Saxenda in terms of effectiveness, convenience, cost, side effects, and who each is best for.

Quick Comparison: Zepbound vs Saxenda

Feature	Zepbound	Saxenda
Active Ingredient	Tirzepatide	Liraglutide
Hormone Targets	GLP-1 + GIP	GLP-1 only
FDA Approval	2023 (weight loss)	2014 (weight loss)
Dosing Frequency	Weekly injection	Daily injection
Average Weight Loss	15–22.5% of body weight	5–8% of body weight
Time to Effect	3–6 months	4–6 months

Learn more: How Zepbound Works for Weight Loss

Effectiveness: Zepbound Delivers More Weight Loss

In clinical trials, Zepbound outperformed every other GLP-1 medication, including Saxenda:

Medication	Average Weight Loss	Study Duration
Zepbound	Up to 22.5%	72 weeks
Saxenda	5–8%	56 weeks

Studies: SURMOUNT-1 Trial (Zepbound)

SCALE Obesity Trial (Saxenda)

Zepbound helps patients lose 2–4 times more weight on average than Saxenda.

Dosing and Convenience

Feature	Zepbound	Saxenda
Starting Dose	2.5 mg/week	0.6 mg/day
Maintenance Dose	5–15 mg/week	3.0 mg/day
Injection Frequency	Weekly	Daily

Zepbound wins for convenience—one injection per week instead of daily injections.

Side Effects Comparison

Side Effect	Zepbound	Saxenda
Nausea	Common	Common
Constipation	Sometimes	Sometimes
Fatigue	Mild	Mild
Daily injection fatigue	No	Yes (some users tire of daily dosing)

Both carry the same thyroid cancer warning and should not be used by people with MEN-2 or MTC history.

Insurance & Cost

Feature	Zepbound	Saxenda
U.S. Retail Price	~$1,060/month	~$1,200/month
Canadian Price	~$450–$500	~$515–$700
Savings Card	Zepbound Savings	Saxenda Savings
Insurance Coverage	Growing	More established

Both are FDA-approved for weight loss, so either may be covered—but Zepbound is newer, so prior authorization may be required.

Who Should Choose Zepbound?

Adults who:

• Want maximum fat loss
  

• Prefer weekly injections
  

• Struggle with insulin resistance, PCOS, or prediabetes
  

• Have had poor results with other GLP-1s (including Saxenda)

Who Should Choose Saxenda?

Adults who:

• Are more comfortable with a daily routine
  

• Have insurance coverage for Saxenda but not Zepbound

• Prefer a GLP-1 medication with a longer safety track record

• Are transitioning from Victoza (same active ingredient)

Final Thoughts

Zepbound is the clear winner in terms of weight loss, convenience, and dual-hormone advantage—but Saxenda may still be a good option depending on your comfort, insurance coverage, and treatment goals.

Zepbound = Most effective GLP-1 therapy available today
Saxenda = Solid, established option for those preferring daily dosing
Both are FDA-approved for weight loss and safe with proper monitoring

Visit  Zepbound vs Saxenda Comparison Article for information, eligibility tools, and cost breakdowns to help you choose confidently.