What you’ll learn:
- Wegovy® and Trulicity® both belong to the GLP-1 family, but Wegovy® is FDA-approved for weight loss and tends to lead to significantly more weight loss than Trulicity®.
- Both medications work by mimicking GLP-1, which helps reduce appetite and slow digestion, but semaglutide (Wegovy®) is more effective at promoting weight loss.
- The right choice between Wegovy® and Trulicity® depends on your health goals, insurance coverage, side effect tolerance, and how your body responds.
If you’re considering medication for weight loss in 2025, you’re probably aware that you have options. GLP-1 receptor agonists, popularized by the off-label use of Ozempic®, have revolutionized the weight loss landscape, and this medication family continues to expand. Two you might have heard of are Wegovy® and Trulicity®. Let’s explore what they are, what they’re best suited for, and which one might work better for your weight loss journey.
While Wegovy® and Trulicity® both belong to the GLP-1 family, they differ significantly in their primary purpose and effectiveness. Wegovy® is FDA-approved for weight loss, with clinical studies showing people lose around 15% of their body weight in just over a year. Trulicity® was developed primarily for type 2 diabetes management and typically leads to more modest weight reduction (about 3 to 5%), making it less commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss alone.
While people tend to lose more weight on Wegovy®, your unique biology might respond better to one medication than the other. Practical considerations like cost and insurance coverage will also influence your decision. In the following sections, we’ll break down how Wegovy® and Trulicity® compare in detail, giving you the information you need to work with your doctor and choose the option that best fits your health needs, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Wegovy® vs. Trulicity®: How do they work?
Wegovy® and Trulicity® are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, which means they mimic a hormone your body makes called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone helps regulate blood sugar, slows digestion, and signals your brain that you’re full, making it easier to eat less. These medications bind to GLP-1 receptors in your stomach, brain, pancreas, and other organs to amplify the effects of this hormone.
But, while these two are related, they have two different active ingredients: semaglutide for Wegovy® and dulaglutide for Trulicity®. Trulicity® is an older GLP-1, and it isn’t as effective as semaglutide. Let’s take a look at some other differences.
Wegovy® vs Trulicity®: What are the differences?
While both medications are GLP-1 receptor agonists, they have a few important differences, which may make one better for your goals.
They have different active ingredients.
Semaglutide (Wegovy®) and dulaglutide (Trulicity®) are both medications that mimic a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1, which helps control blood sugar, slow digestion, and reduce appetite. But they’re built differently, and that affects how they work.
- Semaglutide is a synthetic analog, which means it’s almost identical to the GLP-1 hormone your body naturally makes. Because it’s such a close match, it fits really well into the body’s GLP-1 receptors and stays active for longer. That gives it a strong effect on appetite control and weight loss.
- Dulaglutide is a fusion protein, meaning it’s part GLP-1 and part of another protein (from an antibody) that helps it last longer in the body. It still activates GLP-1 receptors, but the way it’s built makes it a bit bulkier and less targeted than semaglutide. It’s mainly used to help manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, and while some people lose weight on it, it’s not approved as a weight-loss medication.
They have different manufacturers
Wegovy® is made by Novo Nordisk, while Trulicity® is produced by Eli Lilly—two pharmaceutical companies with long-standing expertise in diabetes care and metabolic health. You might recognize some of their other well-known medications in this space:
- Novo Nordisk is also behind Ozempic® and Rybelsus®, both of which contain semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in Wegovy®. These medications are primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes, though they’re also commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss.
- Eli Lilly, on the other hand, produces Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, both of which contain tirzepatide—a medication that targets two hormone receptors (GLP-1 and GIP) for potentially greater effects on blood sugar control and weight loss.
These companies continue to lead the way in developing GLP-1-based treatments, offering a growing range of options tailored to different health needs and goals.
They’re approved for different uses
While both Wegovy® and Trulicity® can be used for weight loss, only Wegovy® is FDA-approved for that purpose. Let’s take a look at what they can be prescribed for:
- Wegovy® is FDA-approved specifically for weight management in adults who have a BMI of 30 or above or 27 and above with at least one weight-related condition, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. It’s also approved to help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Trulicity®, on the other hand, is approved to treat type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in people with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease. While it’s not officially approved for weight loss, some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for that purpose, though the weight loss results tend to be more modest compared to medications like Wegovy®.
Effects on appetite and metabolism
Both semaglutide (Wegovy®) and dulaglutide (Trulicity®) mimic the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger and digestion. By slowing how quickly food leaves the stomach and signaling fullness to the brain, they reduce how much—and how often—you feel like eating.
That said, research shows that semaglutide has a stronger effect on appetite suppression and calorie reduction than dulaglutide. While dulaglutide also helps curb appetite and slow digestion, its effects are generally less pronounced, and clinical trials show it leads to more modest, gradual weight loss.
Wegovy® vs Trulicity®: What are the similarities?
Wegovy® and Trulicity® may be prescribed for different reasons—weight loss vs. diabetes—but they actually have quite a bit in common. Both belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, and they work in similar ways to support better health outcomes.
They work similarly in the body
Both medications mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar, slow down digestion, and suppress appetite. This combination can lead to reduced hunger and fewer cravings throughout the day.
They follow a similar dosing routine
Wegovy® and Trulicity® are both once-weekly injections delivered via a prefilled pen. Like many medications in their class, they follow a step-up dosing schedule, meaning the dose is gradually increased over time. This slow titration helps your body adjust, reduces the risk of side effects, and supports steady progress—whether your goal is weight loss, blood sugar control, or both.
They share similar side effects
Nausea, diarrhea, and other digestive issues are common when starting either medication. These side effects usually get better as your body adjusts to treatment. Wegovy® and Trulicity® also share some rarer—but more serious—side effects and safety warnings. We’ll go over those, along with the more common ones, in more detail later on.
Can you switch between Wegovy® and Trulicity®?
Yes, you can switch between Wegovy® and Trulicity®—but you’ll need to work closely with your healthcare provider to make sure the transition is safe and effective. Switching may require dosage adjustments and careful monitoring to help your body adapt and minimize potential side effects.
There are a few common reasons someone might consider switching between Wegovy® and Trulicity®, such as:
- Lack of desired results: If you’re not seeing the weight loss or appetite control you hoped for, it may be time to try a different option.
- Side effects: Some people find one medication easier to tolerate than the other. For instance, if Wegovy®’s side effects feel too intense, your provider might recommend switching to Trulicity®, which may be easier on your system.
- Stronger appetite suppression: Wegovy® is known to have more powerful appetite-suppressing effects than Trulicity®.
- Costs and insurance: The costs of these medications can differ depending on factors like list price, pharmacy choice, and your insurance coverage. Depending on your budget, these factors may lead you to switch medications due to lower costs.
When you’re switching medications, it’s totally normal to notice your body reacting a bit differently. Maybe your energy shifts, your appetite changes, or you feel full more quickly than usual. Some people need a little time to settle into a new routine. Side effects like nausea, fatigue, or an upset stomach are more likely when you start a new GLP-1, but those usually ease up as your body adjusts.
Your doctor will work with you to come up with a plan that makes sense for your health, your goals, and your past experience with these medications. The goal is always the same: to find something that works with your life and helps you feel your best in a way that’s both safe and sustainable.
Wegovy® vs. Trulicity®: Which is better for weight loss?
If weight loss is your main goal, Wegovy® is the stronger option. Let’s take a look at what you can expect with both:
Wegovy®: People lose an average of 15% of their body weight over about a year, compared to just 2.4% with a placebo.
Trulicity®: Weight loss with Trulicity® tends to be more modest. Studies show that people lose an average of 3% to 5% of their body weight in one year.
The right choice depends on your overall health, goals, and what your doctor recommends.
How long does it take to see results?
While results vary, clinical trials give us a clear picture of how these medications perform over time. Here’s a look at the weight loss you can expect in terms of percentage of body weight lost over time:
Short-term results (3 to 6 months)
Long-term results (12+ months)
Who can take Wegovy® or Trulicity® for weight loss?
Your doctor will consider your overall health, medical history, and personal goals before recommending either medication. If weight loss is your main goal, they’ll likely recommend Wegovy® over Trulicity®. Trulicity® is primarily prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes, but some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for weight loss, especially if other treatments haven’t worked well for you.
If you’re looking for a prescription for either one for weight loss, you will typically need to meet the following BMI requirements:
- 30 or higher
or
- 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Who can’t take Wegovy® or Trulicity® for weight loss?
Wegovy® and Trulicity® can be right for some people, but they’re not safe for everyone. Certain medical conditions or risk factors may rule them out as options.
You can’t take Wegovy® or Trulicity® if:
- You or a family member has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- You’re currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
- You have a known allergy to any of the ingredients
Ask your doctor about whether they are right for you if you have a history of:
- Pancreatitis
- Severe gastrointestinal issues
If you take Wegovy® or Trulicity® to lose weight, do you need to take them forever?
For some people, the answer is yes, especially if the medication is helping manage other health issues like type 2 diabetes or if weight tends to come back after stopping.
When you stop taking them, the effects of appetite suppression and blood sugar regulation go away, and weight regain is common. But that doesn’t mean everyone has to stay on them forever—some people are able to maintain their results with lifestyle changes, especially if they have support and a plan in place.
Here’s what might happen when you stop taking these medications:
- Weight regain can happen: People tend to regain a portion of the weight they lost. In one study, people regained about two-thirds of their lost weight within a year of stopping semaglutide (Wegovy®).
- Increased appetite: These medications help regulate appetite, so stopping them can bring back stronger hunger cues, making it harder to stick to smaller portions or avoid cravings.
- Blood sugar levels may shift: For those with type 2 diabetes, stopping the medication may lead to a return of higher blood sugar levels, depending on other lifestyle and medication factors.
But why do people stop taking these medications?
- Side effects: Some might experience side effects that are tough to manage, like persistent nausea or digestive issues. Medications affect everyone differently, so if you’re having trouble with side effects, talk to your doctor about switching to a different medication that may have fewer negative effects.
- Reached their goal weight: Those who have reached their goal weight might also be considering stopping. To help maintain all the progress you’ve made, be sure to work with your doctor to taper off the medication slowly. One study showed that people were able to maintain a stable weight for the first 26 weeks after stopping semaglutide using the taper method.
- Cost is too high: Others may face insurance or affordability challenges, especially if they’re taking the drug off-label for weight loss. If cost is an issue, be sure to check for any manufacturer discounts or savings programs. For example, if you get Wegovy® through the NovoCare Pharmacy, you will pay less at $499 per month. You can also try switching to a more affordable medication like Contrave® or metformin.
GLP-1 medications aren’t just about the number on the scale—they support long-term metabolic health, and stopping abruptly can make it harder to maintain the progress you’ve worked so hard for. That’s why pairing medication with a sustainable approach to nutrition and behavior change is so important. A program like Noom can help you build the skills and routines that make your progress stick, even if you eventually reduce your dose or come off the medication.
Trulicity® vs. Wegovy®: Costs and insurance
Understanding how much Trulicity® or Wegovy® might cost is an important step in choosing the right medication for your health journey. Both are GLP-1 medications that can support weight loss or diabetes management, but their price tags and insurance coverage can vary widely depending on your specific situation.
- Trulicity® (dulaglutide): The list price is around $987 per month, regardless of dose. It’s possible it will be covered for type 2 diabetes, but it’s rarely covered for weight loss. Learn more about your potential costs for Trulicity®.
- Wegovy® (semaglutide): The list price is about $1,349 per month, and coverage can vary significantly. When prescribed for weight loss, most plans don’t cover it.
- If your insurance does, Novo Nordisk offers savings cards that will help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
- If you don’t have insurance coverage, you can get it through the NovoCare® Pharmacy program for $499 per month. Learn more about your potential costs for Wegovy®.
Wegovy® vs. Trulicity®: Side effects and safety concerns
Since Wegovy® and Trulicity® are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, they share many of the same side effects. The most common ones are related to how these medications slow down digestion, which can cause symptoms like nausea or bloating. These side effects are usually mild and often improve as your body adjusts.
That said, both medications also come with rare but serious risks, and they share some important safety warnings. Here’s what you can expect—and what to watch for:
Common side effects
Most people experience mild to moderate side effects when they begin taking Wegovy® or Trulicity® or when adjusting to a higher dose. These may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Stomach pain
- Fatigue
Serious side effects and warnings
While Wegovy® and Trulicity® are well-researched and generally safe for most people, they can carry serious risks in some cases. It’s important to follow prescription guidelines and talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms that are concerning.
Boxed warning for Wegovy® and Trulicity®
Both Wegovy® and Trulicity® have an FDA-boxed warning about a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). This risk has only been observed in animal studies, and it is unclear if it applies to humans. Don’t take these medications if you or a family member has a history of MTC or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Get immediate medical help if you experience any of the following:
- Pancreatitis – Symptoms include severe abdominal pain that may spread to your back, with or without vomiting. Learn more about the risk of pancreatitis with semaglutide.
- Vision changes – Any sudden vision loss or changes require immediate medical attention.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) – Symptoms include dizziness, shakiness, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, and feeling jittery. This is more common in people taking additional diabetes medications. Read about semaglutide and hypoglycemia.
- Kidney problems – Dehydration from diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting can worsen kidney function. Watch for reduced urination, swelling in the ankles or legs, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
- Gallbladder issues – Signs include upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, or pale-colored stools.
- Allergic reactions – Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a rapid heartbeat could indicate a severe allergic reaction. Seek emergency care immediately.
For a full breakdown of potential risks, see the Wegovy® safety information and Trulicity® safety information.
Wegovy® vs. Trulicity®: Which one is safer?
When it comes to overall safety, both Wegovy® and Trulicity® belong to the same class of GLP-1 medications, so their overall safety profiles are similar. To reduce the risk of side effects, doctors start with a lower dose and gradually increase it with both medications. If you experience severe side effects, it’s important to talk to your doctor to discuss adjustments, alternative medications, or strategies to help manage symptoms.
Wegovy® vs. Trulicity®: Dosage and administration
Both Wegovy® and Trulicity® are once-weekly injections delivered via easy-to-use prefilled pens. While they’re taken in similar ways, their dosing schedules, maximum doses, and storage guidelines have a few key differences. Here’s what you need to know to use them correctly:
How to take Wegovy®
To take Wegovy®, you’ll inject yourself once per day on the same day each week. When you choose to give yourself the injection doesn’t matter, but you should rotate injection sites each time to avoid irritation.
Dosages: Your doctor will start you at the lowest dose (0.25 mg) and will increase it to keep you losing steady weight as tolerated from 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, to 2.4 mg. If side effects are too severe, you may stay at a lower dose for longer.
How to take Trulicity®
To take Trulicity®, you’ll inject yourself once a week on the same day each week, just like Wegovy®. Again, the time of day doesn’t matter, and you can take it with or without food, just as you would with Wegovy®.
Dosages: Trulicity® comes in several doses: 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 3 mg, and 4.5 mg. Everyone starts at 0.75 mg, and your doctor may slowly increase the dose depending on how well you tolerate it and how your body responds, similar to how dosing is managed with Wegovy®.
With both, finding your ideal dose takes time, and your healthcare provider will help guide that process based on how your body responds.
Wegovy® vs. Trulicity®: Which is right for you?
As you’ve seen, choosing between Wegovy® and Trulicity® really comes down to your health goals, budget, and how your body responds to each medication. To help you weigh your options, here’s a detailed side-by-side comparison:
| Medication | Wegovy® | Trulicity® |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing per month (without insurance) | List price of $1,349 $499 through NovoCare® Pharmacy | List price of $987 |
| Insurance coverage | Unlikely | More commonly covered by insurance for diabetes; rarely for weight loss |
| Weight loss effectiveness | An average of 15% body weight loss over 68 weeks | An average of 3% to 5% body weight loss over 52 to 72 weeks |
| Dosing | Weekly injection (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg) | Weekly injection (up to 0.75 mg, 1.5mg, 3mg, and 4.5 mg) |
Alternatives to Wegovy® and Trulicity®
If Wegovy® or Trulicity® aren’t the right fit—whether due to availability, side effects, cost, or insurance coverage—you’re not out of options. Several other medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and other classes of weight loss or diabetes treatments, may offer similar benefits.
Here are some alternatives to consider:
| Medication | Brand names and uses | Cost per month (without insurance) | Effectiveness | How it’s taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide – GLP-1 receptor agonist – Same active ingredient as Wegovy® | Ozempic®: type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss Rybelsus®: type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss | Ozempic®: $998 Learn more Rybelsus®: $998 Learn more | Ozempic®: People lost an average of 15% of body weight in 68 weeks with injectable semaglutide Rybelsus®: People lost about 4% of their body weight | Ozempic®: Weekly injection Rybelsus®: Daily pill |
| Liraglutide – GLP-1 receptor agonist | Victoza®: type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss Saxenda®: weight loss and heart disease Generic liraglutide: type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss | Victoza®: $800 to $1,400 Saxenda®: $1,350 Learn more. Generic liraglutide: $470 – $700 | People lost an average of 5-6% of body weight in one year. | Daily injection |
| Tirzepatide – GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist | Mounjaro®: type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss Zepbound®: weight loss and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) | Mounjaro®: $1,080 Learn more Zepbound®: Pens: $1,087 Vials: $349 (2.5 mg) $499 (5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg) Learn more | People lost an average of 21% of body weight at 72 weeks. | Weekly injection |
Other medications
GLP-1s aren’t the only options. These medications work in different ways and can be prescribed to help people lose weight if needed.
| Medication | Brand names | Cost per month (without insurance) | Effectiveness | How it’s taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metformin (off-label weight loss) | Glucophage®, Fortamet®, Glumetza® | Generic: $4–$15Brand name: $100–$500+ Learn more. | People lost an average of about 6% of their body weight over six months while taking metformin. | Pill taken up to two times daily |
| Phentermine | Lomaira®, Adipex-P® | $27-$100 | About 80% of people with a BMI of 30 or more lost at least 5% of their body weight in 6 months. | Daily pill |
| Diethylpropion | Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan® | $40-$85 | People lost an average of 10% of their body weight in 6 months. | Pill taken one to three times daily |
| Naltrexone and bupropion | Contrave® | $600-$800 CurAccess™: $99 | People lost an average of 7 to 8% of their body weight in a year. | Pill taken up to twice daily |
| Orlistat | Xenical®, Alli® | $50-$800 | People in a study lost about 10% of body weight after taking Orlistat for 1 year. | Pill taken three times daily with meals. |
Wegovy® vs. Trulicity®: Your next step towards a healthier you
Choosing between Wegovy® and Trulicity® depends on what you’re looking to achieve. If weight loss is your primary goal, Wegovy® tends to deliver more significant results and is specifically approved for that purpose. Trulicity®, on the other hand, is mainly used for managing type 2 diabetes and offers more modest weight loss as a side benefit. Still, it may be a better fit for some people, especially if blood sugar control is also a priority or if it’s more affordable through insurance.
Ultimately, the right choice comes down to your health goals, how your body responds, and practical factors like side effects and cost. Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your individual needs. And no matter which option you go with, combining medication with a program like Noom can give you the tools and support to make sustainable changes that last well beyond the prescription.
Note: Trulicity®, Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, Victoza®, and metformin are not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.
