Medication Comparison
Wegovy vs Zepbound
Zepbound (tirzepatide) produces more weight loss than Wegovy (semaglutide) — roughly 22% vs 15%. Wegovy has cardiovascular outcomes data from the SELECT trial. Zepbound has a lower list price. Both are FDA-approved specifically for weight management.
| Category | Wegovy | Zepbound |
|---|---|---|
| Brands | Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) | Zepbound (tirzepatide) |
| Class | GLP-1 RA | GLP-1/GIP dual agonist |
| Administration | Weekly injection | Weekly injection |
| Average weight loss | ~15% | ~22% |
| Compounded cost | $1,300-1,400/mo (brand) | $1,000-1,100/mo (brand) |
| Brand cost | $1,300-1,400/mo | $1,000-1,100/mo |
| Half-life | ~7 days | ~5 days |
| Dosing frequency | Once weekly | Once weekly |
| Key trial | STEP 1 (16.9% weight loss) | SURMOUNT-1 (22.5% weight loss) |
Best for Wegovy
Patients who prioritize cardiovascular protection and a longer safety track record
Best for Zepbound
Patients seeking maximum weight loss with the FDA-approved obesity indication
Wegovy tradeoffs
Pros
- First GLP-1 approved for obesity
- Cardiovascular outcomes data (SELECT trial)
- Longer market presence
Cons
- Less weight loss than Zepbound
- Single-receptor mechanism
Zepbound tradeoffs
Pros
- Greater average weight loss
- Dual mechanism (GLP-1 + GIP)
- Lower list price than Wegovy
Cons
- No cardiovascular outcomes data yet for obesity indication
- Newer with less long-term safety data
Common questions
Is Zepbound better than Wegovy for weight loss?
Clinical trials show Zepbound (tirzepatide) achieves ~22% weight loss vs ~15% for Wegovy (semaglutide). However, individual results vary and both are highly effective.
Which is cheaper, Wegovy or Zepbound?
Zepbound has a lower list price (~$1,060/mo vs ~$1,350/mo for Wegovy). Actual out-of-pocket costs depend on your insurance coverage and available savings programs.
Does insurance cover Wegovy or Zepbound?
Coverage varies widely. Some insurers cover one but not the other. Both manufacturers offer savings cards that can reduce costs significantly for eligible patients.
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