Introduction

If you’re comparing prescription weight loss medications, two names probably top your list: Zepbound and Wegovy. Both are FDA-approved, GLP-1-based, and effective for long-term weight loss—but they’re not identical.

So which one is better? The answer depends on your weight loss goals, health profile, and how your body responds to different medications.

In this post, we’ll compare Zepbound vs Wegovy head-to-head across effectiveness, cost, side effects, insurance, and more.

At a Glance

Feature	Zepbound	Wegovy
Active Ingredient	Tirzepatide	Semaglutide
Hormone Targets	GLP-1 + GIP	GLP-1 only
Dosing	Weekly injection (2.5–15 mg)	Weekly injection (0.25–2.4 mg)
FDA Approval	2023 (weight loss)	2021 (weight loss)
Avg. Weight Loss	15–22.5% of body weight	10–16% of body weight

Effectiveness: Zepbound Leads

In clinical trials, Zepbound consistently helped patients lose more weight than Wegovy.

Medication	Avg. Weight Loss	Duration	Source
Zepbound	20.9%	72 weeks	SURMOUNT-1
Wegovy	14.9%	68 weeks	STEP-1

Zepbound outperforms Wegovy by 5–7% in average weight loss—and in some cases, more.

Hormonal Action: GLP-1 vs. GLP-1 + GIP

• Wegovy (semaglutide) stimulates GLP-1, which:
  • Suppresses appetite

  • Slows gastric emptying

  • Helps regulate blood sugar

• Zepbound (tirzepatide) activates both GLP-1 and GIP, enhancing:
  • Satiety

  • Metabolic flexibility

  • Fat burning potential

GIP may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation more than GLP-1 alone.

Dosing and Convenience

Feature	Zepbound	Wegovy
Injection Frequency	Weekly	Weekly
Starting Dose	2.5 mg/week	0.25 mg/week
Max Dose	15 mg/week	2.4 mg/week
Device Type	Single-dose pens	Single-dose pens

Both are once-weekly injectables with similar titration schedules.

Side Effects

Both medications may cause:

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Bloating or fullness

• Fatigue

• Headache

Zepbound may have a slightly higher rate of GI side effects during the early weeks due to the dual hormone effect—but many users adjust over time.

Insurance Coverage & Cost

Medication	Retail Cost (U.S.)	Savings Card Price	Insurance Coverage
Zepbound	~$1,060/month	As low as $25/month w/ savings card	Varies (weight loss coverage required)
Wegovy	~$1,350/month	As low as $0 w/ savings card	Varies (some plans easier)

Wegovy may be more widely covered due to longer market presence, but Zepbound coverage is rapidly expanding.

Who Should Choose Zepbound?

Best for:

• Maximizing fat loss (especially >50 lbs)

• Insulin resistance or PCOS

• People who didn’t respond to Wegovy

• Those with stubborn metabolic issues

Who Should Choose Wegovy?

Best for:

• Mild to moderate weight loss goals

• History of tolerance to GLP-1 meds

• Insurance plans that don’t cover Zepbound

• People who want a more established option

Final Thoughts

Both Zepbound and Wegovy are excellent tools for weight loss—but Zepbound comes out on top for most users in terms of total weight loss and metabolic benefits. That said, Wegovy is still powerful, especially for those with great insurance coverage or sensitivity to tirzepatide.

Zepbound = stronger results, newer therapy
Wegovy = reliable, widely available option
Work with your provider to choose the right fit for your goals, side effect tolerance, and insurance plan

Visit Zepbound vs Wegovy Comparison for chart downloads, FAQs, and decision tools.