Lilly direct-selling Zepbound at $499/mo — compare with 11 other programs →
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Wegovy vs Zepbound: which is more effective?

Reviewed by the glpzoom Editorial Team against primary clinical sources — FDA labeling, peer-reviewed trials, and specialty-society guidelines.
Content current as of June 2026; updated when guidance or availability changes.
In separate Phase 3 trials, Zepbound (tirzepatide 15mg) produced ~20% mean body weight loss vs Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) at ~15%. A head-to-head trial (SURMOUNT-5) confirmed Zepbound's edge. That said, individual response varies widely: some patients lose more on semaglutide than tirzepatide, others tolerate one's side-effect profile better than the other. Cost, insurance formulary, and dose-titration tolerability often decide which drug a patient ends up on. Both are administered as once-weekly subcutaneous injections with similar titration schedules.

Where to start

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  • Ro logo

    Ro

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    • Best for insured patients
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    Ro Body — branded GLP-1 weight care program

    Visit Ro →Read review
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    Hims

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    Hims Weight Loss — compounded GLP-1 from $199/mo

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  • Noom Med logo

    Noom Med

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    Noom Med — GLP-1 + behavioral psychology coaching

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Drugs referenced

Related questions

  • How do GLP-1 drugs work?

    GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, a gut hormone released after eating. They work through three main pathways: (1) Slowing gastric emptying — food stays in the stomach longer, prolonging fullness. (2) Suppressing appetite in the brain — they reduce the constant 'food noise' many patients describe, making it easier to eat smaller portions

  • Is Wegovy or Zepbound cheaper?

    At list price, Zepbound is slightly cheaper than Wegovy (~$1,060 vs ~$1,349/month). For cash-pay patients, Lilly's self-pay vial program ($349-$549/month for Zepbound) tends to undercut Novo's NovoCare self-pay program ($499/month for Wegovy) at lower doses. At higher Zepbound doses, the gap narrows. Insurance coverage patterns are similar; the better choice

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