Zepbound vs Wegovy: which works better for weight loss?

You have a lot of choices for weight loss medications today. And when it comes to Zepbound vs Wegovy the choice may seem as simple as losing up to 20.9% of your body weight vs 14.9%. But it’s not necessarily that straightforward.

In this article, we compare Zepbound vs Wegovy and go over what you need to know about which is right for you. 

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What are Zepbound and Wegovy?

Zepbound and Wegovy are popular name-brand injectable medications approved by the FDA for weight loss. Zepbound, made by Eli Lilly and approved in November 2023, uses the active ingredient tirzepatide. Wegovy is made by Novo Nordisk and approved in June 2021. It uses semaglutide and is also approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and/or stroke in adults with heart disease and either obesity or overweight.

Zepbound vs Wegovy: how they work in your body

Zepbound and Wegovy are related, but different types of drugs. 

Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, also known as GLP-1 agonist. GLP-1 is a natural hormone in the intestines. After you eat, GLP-1 works by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas and slowing down the secretion of glucagon (a hormone that helps control blood sugar). It also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach and moves through your intestines. By mimicking GLP-1, GLP-1 agonist medications regulate blood sugar, and make you feel more full after eating and less hungry in general. As a result, you eat less and lose weight.

Zepbound is a glucagon-like peptide-1/gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GLP-1/GIP) dual agonist. It works by mimicking both the GLP-1 and GIP hormones. GIP works on the central nervous system (CNS) to make you feel less hungry and reduce cravings. It also plays a role in fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity. So, as a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, Zepbound works like Wegovy, but has added effects that lead to more weight loss.

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Weight loss on Zepbound vs Wegovy compared 

Zepbound vs Wegovy for weight loss

Zepbound and Wegovy are prescription weight loss injections. You take them once a week by giving yourself a shot. And both lead to significant weight loss.

Is Zepbound more effective than Wegovy in weight loss?

Clinical trials indicate that Zepbound (tirzepatide) may be more effective for weight loss than Wegovy (semaglutide). Zepbound participants experienced an average weight loss of 20.9% over 72 weeks, depending on the dosage. In trials, people taking Wegovy lost 14.9% of their body weight. That’s 5% less than in trials for Zepbound. 

Zepbound vs Wegovy side effects

Any medication can have side effects — Zepbound and Wegovy are no exception. Here’s a rundown of what you might experience if you take one of these medications.

Common side effects of Zepbound and Wegovy

Serious side effects of Zepbound and Wegovy

Beyond common side effects, both Zepbound and Wegovy can have more serious side effects. 

Both Zepbound and Wegovy have a boxed warning, which is the most serious safety warning the FDA puts on a medication. The boxed warning for Wegovy and Zepbound warns of possible thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. Avoid either medication if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Read more about Zepbound’s side effects and the side effects of Wegovy.

Zepbound vs Wegovy costs

The cost of Wegovy and Zepbound can vary depending on your insurance coverage and manufacturer discounts. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:

Insurance coverage for Zepbound vs Wegovy

Your insurance plan may cover Wegovy or Zepbound if you meet the FDA-approved criteria. “May” is the operative word here. Because of the cost and newness of these drugs, not all insurance companies cover Zepbound or Wegovy. If your plan does cover 1 or either, what you’ll pay out-of-pocket depends on your specific plan.

Even if Zepbound or Wegovy are covered by your insurance company, you probably need prior authorization before your plan will pay for either 1. Prior authorization is when your health insurance plan makes you get approval before it covers a cost. Your healthcare provider can help you with this process. And if you’re denied, know that you can appeal a prior authorization denial.

Learn more about prior authorization for Zepbound and prior authorization for Wegovy.

How to save money on Zepbound and Wegovy

There are few ways to save if you need to lower the cost of your prescription for either Zepbound or Wegovy. Prescription discount sites, like GoodRx, WellRx, Optum Perks, and SingleCareRx, offer Zepbound and Wegovy coupons. Print or download coupons and present them to your pharmacy for savings. 

Also, the makers of both Zepbound and Wegovy have savings card programs to help you save.

Zepbound Savings Card

If you’re eligible, you can take advantage of the Zepbound Savings Card program and get Zepbound for $25 a month. If you have insurance that covers Zepbound, you can save up to $150 for each 1-month supply — up to $1,800 each calendar year. If your insurance doesn’t cover Zepbound, you’ll pay as little as $550 per month, saving up to $7,319 each calendar year. 

Wegovy Savings Card

You may be eligible to get Wegovy for free through the Wegovy Savings Card program. You’re limited to a maximum savings of $225 per 1-month supply on up to 13 refills. So, if your copay for Wegovy is $225 or less, you’ll pay $0 for your prescription each month. If your insurance doesn’t cover Wegovy or you pay cash, the program lowers your cost to $650 per refill. 

Wegovy vs Zepbound: Which one to choose for weight loss

Both Zepbound and Wegovy aid weight loss, though individual results vary. Zepbound targets hunger and metabolism, while Wegovy primarily regulates appetite. Studies suggest Zepbound may lead to greater weight loss, but this depends on individuals. The best choice for you depends on your personal response and health needs.

Wegovy may be suitable for you if:

• Your BMI is over 30.
• You have at least one obesity-related health issue, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
• You are primarily looking for a medication that reduces appetite.
• You are an obese or overweight adult who is interested in potentially lowering your risk of heart problems.  Itincludes risks of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular issues.

Zepbound may be suitable for you if

• You struggle with appetite and metabolic issues.
• You are an adult who is obese (with a BMI over 30) or overweight with at least one weight-related health condition.
• You are looking for a medication that mimics GLP-1 and GIP to influence hunger, cravings, digestion, and insulin use.
• Other weight loss treatments haven’t been as effective as you hoped.
• You are particularly focused on potentially seeing more significant weight loss results.

Key takeaway 

• Both Wegovy and Zepbound are FDA-approved weekly injectable weight loss medications for people with clinical obesity or overweight. 
• In clinical trials, people lost more weight on Zepbound — 20.9% of body weight in 72 weeks on Zepbound, compared to 14.9% in 68 weeks on Wegovy.
• To decide which, if either is right for you, talk to your ask your doctor about weight loss medication, like Wegovy or Zepbound. 

Zepbound vs Wegovy? Find a provider and find the right one for you.

If you’re interested in medication-managed weight loss, a licensed healthcare provider can evaluate your needs and prescribe medication if it’s right for you. Get the support you need to lose weight when you find a weight loss specialist on Klarity Health today.