Wegovy and Zepbound are popular weight-loss medications. Both are weekly injections designed to help adults manage obesity. Many people wonder which one works best for them.
Comparing Wegovy vs Zepbound which is better involves looking at their effectiveness, side effects, and uses. Each drug has unique features that may suit different needs. This guide explains the differences in clear, easy terms.
Always consult your doctor to choose the right option. Understanding how these drugs compare can guide your decision. Let’s explore the key details to help you decide.
What Are Wegovy and Zepbound?
Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics a hormone that reduces appetite and controls blood sugar. It’s approved for adults and teens aged 12 and older with obesity.
Zepbound, with the active ingredient tirzepatide, is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It targets two hormones to enhance appetite control and metabolism. It’s approved for adults with obesity or weight-related conditions.
Both drugs are injected weekly and work best with diet and exercise. They’re prescription-only and require medical supervision. Your doctor will assess which is suitable for you.
How They Work
Wegovy works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, slowing stomach emptying. This makes you feel full longer and reduces cravings. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Zepbound acts on both GLP-1 and GIP hormones. This dual action boosts appetite suppression and improves how the body processes sugar and fat. It may lead to greater weight loss.
Both medications require gradual dose increases to minimize side effects. Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg, reaching 2.4 mg. Zepbound starts at 2.5 mg, going up to 15 mg.
Effectiveness for Weight Loss
When comparing Wegovy vs Zepbound which is better, weight loss results are key. A 2025 head-to-head study showed Zepbound users lost 20.2% of body weight on average after 72 weeks. Wegovy users lost 13.7% in the same period.
Zepbound’s dual mechanism may explain its edge. About 31.6% of Zepbound users lost at least 25% of their weight, compared to 16.1% for Wegovy. Both are effective, but Zepbound often outperforms.
Individual results vary based on health, diet, and adherence. Your doctor can predict which may work better for you. Consistency with lifestyle changes is crucial.
Approved Uses
Wegovy is approved for weight loss in adults and teens aged 12 and older. It’s also approved to reduce heart attack and stroke risk in adults with cardiovascular disease. It can treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults.
Zepbound is approved for weight loss in adults with obesity or weight-related conditions. It’s also approved for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. It’s not approved for teens.
Your health conditions may influence which drug is better. For example, Wegovy suits those with heart disease, while Zepbound may help with OSA. Discuss your needs with your doctor.
Side Effects Comparison
Both drugs have similar side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. These are usually mild and improve over time. Wegovy may cause more headaches, while Zepbound can lead to slightly more stomach discomfort.
Serious side effects, like pancreatitis or gallbladder issues, are rare for both. Zepbound had a lower discontinuation rate (6.1% vs. 8%) in trials. Always report severe symptoms to your doctor.
Both carry a boxed warning for possible thyroid tumors, seen in animal studies. They’re not recommended for those with a history of medullary thyroid cancer. Your doctor will screen for risks.
Dosing Schedules
Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg weekly for four weeks, increasing to 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg every four weeks. The maintenance dose is 2.4 mg, reached by week 17. This gradual increase reduces side effects.
Zepbound begins at 2.5 mg weekly for four weeks, then rises to 5 mg. It can increase to 10 mg or 15 mg every four weeks, based on tolerance. The maximum dose is 15 mg.
Zepbound reaches its maintenance dose faster than Wegovy. Your doctor will adjust doses based on your response. Follow their instructions carefully.
Cost and Insurance
Without insurance, both drugs cost $1,000–$1,500 monthly. Wegovy’s retail price is around $1,349, while Zepbound is about $1,059. Manufacturer savings programs can lower costs to $499 for both.
Insurance coverage varies. Commercial plans may cover either, with copays as low as $0–$25. Medicare covers Zepbound for OSA and Wegovy for heart risk reduction. Check with your insurer.
Pharmacy coupons, like GoodRx, can reduce costs. For example, Wegovy may drop to $499, and Zepbound to $1,227. Always compare prices at different pharmacies.
Availability and Access
Wegovy has been on the market since 2021, making it more widely available. However, high demand can cause shortages. Zepbound, approved in 2023, may be harder to find in some areas.
As of mid-2024, all Zepbound doses were available, while some Wegovy doses faced shortages. NovoCare Pharmacy offers Wegovy for $499 with direct shipping. Zepbound is also available through similar programs.
Check with local pharmacies or telehealth services for access. Your doctor can help navigate supply issues. Planning ahead avoids delays.
Who Should Choose Which Drug?
Choosing between Wegovy vs Zepbound which is better depends on your health and goals. Wegovy is ideal for teens or those with heart disease or MASH. It’s also widely available and well-studied.
Zepbound suits adults seeking maximum weight loss or those with OSA. Its dual mechanism may offer better results for some. It’s newer, so availability may vary.
Your doctor will consider your medical history and preferences. They’ll recommend the best option based on your needs. Open communication ensures the right choice.
Lifestyle Support for Success
Both drugs work best with healthy habits. Here are some tips to boost results:
- Eat Balanced Meals: Focus on vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Stay Active: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking, weekly.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water to support digestion and health.
- Track Progress: Log weight and side effects to share with your doctor.
These habits enhance weight loss and maintain results. A dietitian can offer tailored advice. Consistency is key with either drug.
Switching Between Wegovy and Zepbound
You can switch from Wegovy to Zepbound or vice versa if needed. Your doctor will create a transition plan to avoid side effects. This may involve starting at a lower dose of the new drug.
Switching may be due to side effects, cost, or better results. For example, Zepbound’s greater weight loss may prompt a switch. Discuss reasons with your doctor.
Never combine both drugs, as this increases side effect risks. Your doctor will monitor the transition. Follow their guidance for safety.
Cost Comparison Table
Here’s a cost overview for Wegovy and Zepbound:
| Option | Wegovy Monthly Cost | Zepbound Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Without Insurance | $1,300–$2,000 | $1,000–$1,500 | Varies by pharmacy |
| With Savings Program | $499 | $499 | NovoCare or Lilly programs |
| With Insurance (Covered) | $0–$25 | $0–$25 | Depends on plan, prior authorization |
Prices are approximate. Confirm with your pharmacy or insurer. Discounts can make either drug more affordable.
Safety and Precautions
Both drugs carry a boxed warning for thyroid tumor risk. Avoid them if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2. Your doctor will screen for these.
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Serious issues like pancreatitis are rare but require immediate attention. Report severe symptoms to your doctor.
Store pens in the refrigerator and use clean needles. Follow injection instructions to avoid infections. Regular check-ups ensure safe use.
Summary
When comparing Wegovy vs Zepbound which is better, Zepbound often leads to more weight loss (20.2% vs. 13.7%) due to its dual GIP/GLP-1 action. Wegovy is better for teens, heart disease, or MASH patients, while Zepbound suits OSA or maximum weight loss. Both have similar side effects and costs, but availability and insurance vary. Work with your doctor to choose the best option and pair it with healthy habits for success.
FAQ
Which drug causes more weight loss, Wegovy or Zepbound?
Zepbound leads to more weight loss, averaging 20.2% of body weight vs. 13.7% for Wegovy after 72 weeks. Results vary by individual. Consult your doctor for expectations.
Are side effects different between Wegovy and Zepbound?
Both cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, but Wegovy may lead to more headaches. Zepbound can cause slightly more stomach discomfort. Side effects are usually mild and improve.
Can I switch from Wegovy to Zepbound?
Yes, you can switch with your doctor’s guidance. They’ll create a transition plan to avoid side effects. Never combine both drugs.
Which is cheaper, Wegovy or Zepbound?
Without insurance, Zepbound is slightly cheaper ($1,059 vs. $1,349). Savings programs lower both to $499 monthly. Insurance coverage varies by plan.
Who is eligible for Wegovy or Zepbound?
Wegovy is for adults and teens 12+ with obesity or heart disease. Zepbound is for adults with obesity or OSA. Your doctor will assess eligibility.
Dr. Hamza is a medical content reviewer with over 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic conditions. His reviews are grounded in trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Hamza is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.