Introduction

If you’re researching prescription weight loss injections, three top contenders dominate the GLP-1 space: Zepbound, Wegovy, and Saxenda. All are FDA-approved and effective, but they differ in how they work, how often they’re taken, and how much weight you can expect to lose.

This guide compares Zepbound vs Wegovy vs Saxenda to help you decide which option best fits your lifestyle, goals, and health needs.

Snapshot Comparison

Feature	Zepbound	Wegovy	Saxenda
Active Ingredient	Tirzepatide	Semaglutide	Liraglutide
Hormones Targeted	GLP-1 + GIP	GLP-1 only	GLP-1 only
FDA Approval	2023	2021	2014
Injection Frequency	Weekly	Weekly	Daily
Avg. Weight Loss	15–22.5%	10–16%	5–8%

Effectiveness

Medication	Avg. Weight Loss	Duration	Trial Source
Zepbound	Up to 22.5%	72 weeks	SURMOUNT-1
Wegovy	14.9%	68 weeks	STEP-1
Saxenda	5–8%	56 weeks	SCALE Trial

Zepbound consistently delivers the most weight loss, followed by Wegovy, then Saxenda.

Dosing Convenience

Feature	Zepbound	Wegovy	Saxenda
Dosing	Weekly	Weekly	Daily
Device	Single-use pen	Single-use pen	Multi-dose pen
Best For	Busy schedules	Steady progress	Routine takers

If daily injections feel overwhelming, Zepbound or Wegovy may be easier to maintain.

Hormonal Action

• Zepbound: Dual-action GLP-1 + GIP = stronger metabolic response and satiety
• Wegovy & Saxenda: GLP-1 only = appetite suppression, delayed gastric emptying, better insulin regulation

Zepbound’s dual-hormone mechanism may be more effective for insulin resistance, PCOS, or stubborn fat.

Side Effects

All three may cause:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Injection site irritation

Rare risks include gallbladder issues or thyroid C-cell tumors (black box warning). None should be used in people with MEN-2 or a family history of medullary thyroid cancer.

Cost & Insurance

Medication	U.S. Price	Canadian Price	Savings Card	Covered by Insurance?
Zepbound	~$1,060/mo	~$450–$500	Zepbound	With PA
Wegovy	~$1,350/mo	~$599–$699	Wegovy	Often
Saxenda	~$1,200/mo	~$500–$700	Saxenda	Often

Saxenda and Wegovy tend to be easier to get covered, while Zepbound may require more documentation.

Who Should Choose Zepbound?

Best for:

• People with 30+ pounds to lose
• Those with insulin resistance, PCOS, or prediabetes
• Users who want weekly injections
• People who didn’t get results from other GLP-1s

Who Should Choose Wegovy?

Best for:

• Users who want a weekly GLP-1
• Have insurance coverage for semaglutide
• Prefer a more established, single-hormone approach
• Are switching from Ozempic for weight loss

Who Should Choose Saxenda?

Best for:

• Users okay with daily injections
• Those who had success on Victoza (same drug)
• People with strong insurance coverage for Saxenda
• Users seeking a well-established option with mild appetite suppression

Final Thoughts

All three medications are powerful tools for weight loss. Your best option depends on your body, budget, and commitment to dosing.

Zepbound = highest weight loss, weekly, dual-action
Wegovy = strong weight loss, weekly, widely covered
Saxenda = reliable, daily, for lighter goals or coverage needs

Visit our GLP-1 Comparison Hub to download side-by-side charts and check your eligibility for savings cards.