Introduction

Zepbound and Wegovy are two of the most effective weight loss medications available today. Both are FDA-approved for chronic weight management, both are once-weekly injectable GLP-1 therapies, and both have helped patients lose significant amounts of weight.

So, which one is better?

In this blog, we compare Zepbound vs Wegovy head-to-head—looking at weight loss results, how they work, side effects, cost, and who they’re best for.

Quick Comparison: Zepbound vs Wegovy

Feature	Zepbound	Wegovy
Active Ingredient	Tirzepatide	Semaglutide
Hormone Targets	GLP-1 + GIP	GLP-1 only
FDA Approved For	Weight loss (2023)	Weight loss (2021)
Average Weight Loss	Up to 22.5%	~15%
Injection Frequency	Weekly	Weekly
Insurance Coverage	Growing	More widely accepted

Learn more: Zepbound for Weight Loss – How It Works | How Wegovy Works – Benefits and Dosing

Weight Loss Results: Zepbound Comes Out on Top

Clinical trials show that Zepbound produces more weight loss on average than Wegovy.

Dose Level	Zepbound (Tirzepatide)	Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Low	~15% body weight	~10% body weight
Moderate	~18–19% body weight	~13% body weight
High	22.5% body weight	~15% body weight

Source: SURMOUNT-1 Trial – NEJM

Source: STEP-1 Trial – NEJM

Zepbound’s dual-action targeting of GLP-1 + GIP receptors offers a unique advantage for metabolic support and appetite suppression.

Mechanism of Action: One Hormone vs Two

Medication	Targets	Effectiveness Boost
Wegovy	GLP-1 only	Appetite, satiety
Zepbound	GLP-1 + GIP	Appetite, satiety + insulin sensitivity and fat breakdown

Zepbound is thought to offer stronger blood sugar control and fat loss due to GIP receptor activation alongside GLP-1.

Side Effects: Similar Profiles

Side Effect	Zepbound	Wegovy
Nausea	Common	Common
Diarrhea / Constipation	Common	Common
Fatigue / Headache	Sometimes	Sometimes
Gallbladder Issues	Rare	Rare
Pancreatitis (rare)	Rare	Rare

Side effects are most common during the first 4–8 weeks and usually fade over time.
Both should be avoided in patients with MEN-2 or thyroid cancer history.

Dosing Schedule

Medication	Starting Dose	Maintenance Dose	Frequency
Wegovy	0.25 → 2.4 mg/week	2.4 mg/week	Weekly
Zepbound	2.5 → up to 15 mg/week	10–15 mg/week	Weekly

Both use step-up titration to improve tolerance and reduce nausea.

Cost & Insurance Coverage

Factor	Wegovy	Zepbound
U.S. Retail Price	~$1,300/month	~$1,060/month
With Savings Card	As low as $0–$25/month	As low as $25/month
Canadian Price	~$500–$600/month	~$450–$500/month
Insurance Coverage	More widespread	Expanding since 2023

Explore more: Wegovy vs Zepbound Cost Comparison
Apply for discounts:

• Wegovy Savings Card
• Zepbound Savings Card

When to Choose Zepbound

You want maximum weight loss potential
You have insulin resistance or higher BMI
You haven’t responded well to other GLP-1 medications
You’re eligible and can access coverage or savings programs

When to Choose Wegovy

You’re just starting your weight loss journey
You want a well-studied, established option
You have coverage or a prior authorization in place
You prefer semaglutide-based medications or already take Ozempic

Final Thoughts

Both Zepbound and Wegovy are highly effective, clinically proven, and safe for long-term use under medical supervision.
However, if you’re looking for the most powerful weight loss results backed by the latest research, Zepbound holds the edge in 2025.

Zepbound = Higher fat loss potential, dual hormone action
Wegovy = Trusted, proven, widely available with strong coverage

Not sure which is right for you? Visit our GLP-1 Medication Match Tool to compare options based on your weight, health history, and insurance.