Introduction

Zepbound and Saxenda are both FDA-approved injectable medications for weight loss, but they differ significantly in terms of effectiveness, how they work, how often you take them, and patient experience.

If you’re choosing between Zepbound and Saxenda—or considering switching—this guide will help you compare them side-by-side to find the best fit for your weight loss goals.

Quick Comparison: Zepbound vs Saxenda

Feature	Zepbound	Saxenda
Active Ingredient	Tirzepatide	Liraglutide
Hormone Target(s)	GLP-1 + GIP	GLP-1 only
FDA Approval	2023 (Obesity)	2014 (Obesity)
Injection Frequency	Weekly	Daily
Average Weight Loss	Up to 22.5% of body weight	5–8% of body weight
Dosing Style	Auto-injector pen (weekly)	Auto-injector pen (daily)

Related: Zepbound for Weight Loss – How It Works

Weight Loss Results: Zepbound Comes Out Ahead

Medication	Average Body Weight Loss	Typical Pounds Lost
Zepbound	15–22.5%	30–60+ lbs
Saxenda	5–8%	10–20 lbs

Clinical Trials:

• SURMOUNT-1 (Zepbound)

• SCALE Obesity Trial (Saxenda)

Zepbound works faster and is significantly more effective—especially for patients with insulin resistance or a higher starting BMI.

How They Work

Zepbound (Tirzepatide)

• Activates GLP-1 + GIP receptors
• Reduces appetite and improves insulin sensitivity
• Slows digestion to prolong satiety
• Helps with both fat loss and metabolic improvement

Saxenda (Liraglutide)

• Activates GLP-1 receptors
• Helps control hunger and blood sugar
• Requires daily injections to maintain effect

Side Effect Comparison

Side Effect	Zepbound	Saxenda
Nausea	Common	More common
Diarrhea or Constipation	Common	Common
Fatigue / Headache	Mild	Mild
Gallbladder Issues	Rare	Possible
Daily Injection Burnout	No	Yes (for some)

Both medications carry a thyroid tumor warning and should not be used by people with a personal/family history of MEN-2 or medullary thyroid cancer.

Dosing & Convenience

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

Zepbound requires fewer injections, which many patients find easier to stick with over time.

Cost & Coverage

Factor	Zepbound	Saxenda
U.S. Retail Price	~$1,060/month	~$1,200/month
Canadian Price	~$450–$500/month	~$515–$700/month
With Savings Card	As low as $25/month	As low as $25/month
Insurance Coverage	Growing	More widely covered

Apply:

• Zepbound Savings Card
• Saxenda Savings Card

Compare: Wegovy vs Saxenda – Which GLP-1 Is Right for You?

When to Choose Zepbound

You want the most effective weight loss results
You prefer weekly injections
You have insulin resistance or other metabolic conditions
You’ve tried GLP-1s before and need something stronger

When to Choose Saxenda

You’re sensitive to newer medications
You prefer daily tracking or routines
Your insurance covers Saxenda but not Zepbound
You want to start with a more established option

Final Thoughts

Both Zepbound and Saxenda are proven tools in the fight against obesity, but Zepbound offers significantly more weight loss, better convenience, and modern dual-hormone support.

Zepbound is best for faster, stronger weight loss
Saxenda remains a solid option with a longer track record
Your decision should consider results, cost, coverage, and injection preference

Still deciding? Visit our GLP-1 Comparison Center to explore your options with side-by-side charts and eligibility checklists.