Introduction

If you’re comparing GLP-1 medications, you’ve likely come across both Zepbound and Trulicity. While both are weekly injections designed to improve blood sugar and support weight loss, they are not created equal—especially when it comes to fat loss results.

In this blog, we’ll compare Zepbound vs Trulicity to help you understand the differences in how they work, how much weight you can expect to lose, and which one might be a better fit for your goals.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Zepbound	Trulicity
Active Ingredient	Tirzepatide	Dulaglutide
Hormones Targeted	GLP-1 + GIP	GLP-1 only
FDA Approval	Weight loss (2023)	Type 2 diabetes (2014)
Weight Loss Use	Approved for obesity	Not approved for weight loss
Injection Frequency	Weekly	Weekly
Avg. Weight Loss	15–22.5%	3–6% (off-label)

Both are manufactured by Eli Lilly and use once-weekly prefilled pens.

What They’re Approved For

• Zepbound: FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with:
  • BMI ≥30, or
  • BMI ≥27 with a weight-related condition
• Trulicity: FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes management and heart disease risk reduction
  • Not approved for weight loss, though some off-label use exists

For weight loss purposes, Zepbound is the only option that is on-label and optimized for fat reduction.

Weight Loss Results

Medication	Avg. Weight Loss	Study Duration	Study Source
Zepbound	Up to 22.5%	72 weeks	SURMOUNT-1 Trial
Trulicity	3–6%	52+ weeks	AWARD Trials

Zepbound consistently delivers 3–4x the fat loss compared to Trulicity, especially in non-diabetic patients.

How They Work

Zepbound (tirzepatide)

• Activates GLP-1 + GIP receptors
• Reduces appetite, improves insulin response, and promotes fat breakdown
• Slows gastric emptying for longer fullness

Trulicity (dulaglutide)

• Activates GLP-1 only
• Supports blood sugar control and satiety
• Less potent for metabolic changes linked to fat loss

Side Effects Comparison

Side Effect	Zepbound	Trulicity
Nausea	Common (early on)	Common (milder)
Constipation	Sometimes	Sometimes
Appetite Loss	Strong effect	Mild to moderate
Vomiting	Rare	Rare

Zepbound’s stronger hormonal action means more side effects—but also greater results.

Insurance & Cost

Factor	Zepbound	Trulicity
FDA-Approved for Obesity	Yes	No
Savings Card	Zepbound Savings	Trulicity Savings
Insurance Coverage	With prior auth	Covered for diabetes only
Retail Price	~$1,060/month	~$930/month

Trulicity is easier to get covered for diabetes, but Zepbound is the better option for fat loss and long-term weight management.

Who Should Choose Zepbound?

Best for:

• Non-diabetics or prediabetics needing major fat loss
• Patients struggling with PCOS, insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome
• Individuals focused primarily on body weight reduction

Who Might Consider Trulicity?

Consider if:

• You’re managing Type 2 diabetes
• You have heart disease risk factors
• Your insurance only covers dulaglutide-based options
• You’re sensitive to GLP-1 side effects and need a gentler intro

Final Thoughts

Zepbound and Trulicity may look similar on the surface—but in practice, Zepbound offers significantly greater weight loss, thanks to its dual-action formula and focused approval for obesity.

Zepbound = more effective for fat loss and metabolic reset
Trulicity = better suited for diabetes management, not dedicated weight loss

Visit our Zepbound vs GLP-1 Hub for side-by-side comparisons, savings programs, and help getting started through a telehealth provider.