What you’ll learn:
- People who take Zepbound® have lost an average of up to 21% of their body weight, outperforming Wegovy® users who lost about 15% over similar time periods.
- When it comes to cost, Zepbound® has a lower list price than Wegovy®, $1,060 compared to $1,350.
- People get the best weight loss results by combining medications with healthy lifestyle and behavior changes.
Losing weight isn’t easy, and when diet and exercise changes aren’t enough, many people now turn to medication for help. Ozempic®, a medication designed to treat type 2 diabetes, has become synonymous with weight loss, but it’s not the only option. Ozempic® can be prescribed off-label for weight loss, but there are other medications like it that are FDA-approved for weight loss in certain people. Two of the most popular and effective options are Zepbound® and Wegovy®. But which is right for you and which works the best?
When deciding between Zepbound® and Wegovy®, your doctor will consider factors such as your medical history, weight loss goals, and any underlying health conditions. They may also assess how each medication affects appetite control, potential side effects, and how well the treatment fits your long-term health plan.
If you qualify for Noom Med, you’ll be connected with a clinician who can go through all the available options, find the right medication for you, and prescribe it if needed. But first, let’s go through all the pluses and minuses of these treatments.
Zepbound® vs. Wegovy®: Do they work the same way?
Zepbound® and Wegovy® are both considered GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, but they don’t function exactly the same and have different active ingredients. By understanding the differences in their active ingredients, you can better determine which option aligns with your health goals.
Let’s look at those two ingredients side by side.
- Wegovy® (semaglutide) – Semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors in the stomach and brain to reduce appetite, slow how quickly food digests, and help regulate blood sugar. Semaglutide is the same active ingredient in Ozempic. In fact, these two medications are exactly the same; they are just approved for different uses. Wegovy can be prescribed in a higher amount if weight loss isn’t steady in the lower amounts.
- Zepbound® (tirzepatide) – Zepbound® contains tirzepatide, which targets GLP-1 receptors like Wegovy but also targets GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. This can make Zepbound® more effective for some people. The medication Mounjaro® is the version of tirzepatide that is approved for type 2 diabetes management. It is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Zepbound® vs. Wegovy®: Who can take them? (add anchor link: Who can take them?)
Zepbound® and Wegovy® are both approved for weight loss in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher or 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol. Wegovy® has also been approved to reduce the risk of major heart-related events in adults with cardiovascular disease. Zepbound® has been approved for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with a BMI over 30 and moderate to severe OSA.
Zepbound® vs. Wegovy®: Who can’t take them?
Zepbound® and Wegovy® are not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), as both medications carry a warning for potential thyroid tumors. They should also be avoided by people with a known allergy to any of the active or inactive ingredients in the medications. People with a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal issues should also avoid these medications. People who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not use these medications either.
Zepbound® vs. Wegovy®: How are they taken?
Both Zepbound® and Wegovy® are taken as once-weekly injections in the upper arm, stomach, or thigh. They come in pre-filled injector pens, and each pen includes a built-in needle, so no separate needle attachment is required. Most people report little to no discomfort due to the tiny needle size.
Zepbound® also comes in a vial and syringe format for 2.5mg and 5mg doses. For those without insurance coverage, this option can be less expensive than the pre-filled pen option. With this type, you’ll need to measure your dose carefully using a syringe and inject it into one of the same spots you’d use for the pen.
High-quality meds. Powerful psychology-based weight loss.
- Starting at $149/month
- Meds to your door in 7 days
- 100% online access to coaches and doctors
- Backed by Noom's award winning behavior change program
Medications require consultation and prescription by clinician through Noom platform. Not all customers will qualify for prescription. Compounded semaglutide is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy or quality.

Zepbound® vs. Wegovy®: How much weight can I lose?
When it comes to weight loss, both Zepbound® and Wegovy® deliver impressive results, though individual results vary. Let’s go through what the average person can expect.
- Zepbound®: Over 72 weeks, people using Zepbound® lost an average of 15% to 21% of their body weight.
- Wegovy®: Wegovy® has helped people lose an average of 15% of their body weight over a similar time period.
So, how do they stack up? The SURMOUNT-5 trial involved 751 people split into two groups: one taking tirzepatide (Zepbound®) and the other taking semaglutide (Wegovy®) for 72 weeks. The results from the trial suggest that a person could lose 47% more weight with Zepbound® versus Wegovy®. Keep in mind that this trial was conducted by the manufacturer of Zepbound®, Eli Lilly.
Zepbound® vs. Wegovy®: What do they cost?
Both of these medications have a reputation for being expensive. Neither are routinely covered by insurance for weight loss. We’ll break down the list price and what could affect this for you. Your actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on your insurance plan and eligibility for savings programs, so always reach out to your insurance plan for more guidance and check with your pharmacy and the company website for any savings. If you qualify for Noom Med, your clinician can help you coordinate benefits and find any savings where applicable.
Here’s how the numbers shape up:
- Wegovy®: The list price is about $1,350 for a month’s supply. If your insurance covers it, you might qualify for Novo Nordisk’s Savings Card, which could help you pay less. If you’re uninsured or paying cash, the company has a $650 per month option you can ask about.
- Zepbound®: The list price of Zepbound® is about $1,060 for a month’s supply. Eli Lilly also offers a Savings Card to help eligible and insured people reduce costs. The single-use vials through LillyDirect start at lower prices for people without insurance, ranging from $399 to $549 per month.
Still too pricey? If you qualify for Noom Med, ask your clinician about our compounded semaglutide* through Noom GLP-1Rx. This medication contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic® and Wegovy®, but it can be more affordable for people without insurance coverage. It starts at just $149 per month and will be delivered to your door if prescribed. Plus, it comes with unlimited access to your clinician, a weight loss program designed just for you, and all of Noom’s tools and lessons to help you stay on track.
Zepbound® vs. Wegovy®: What about shortages?
If you’re considering Zepbound® or Wegovy®, you might also wonder which one is easier to find. Due to high demand, both medications have faced supply shortages. All doses of Wegovy® are currently listed as available, but there is still a shortage. Zepbound® is off the official FDA shortage list, but some people taking it have reported issues finding it. It’s best to check with your pharmacy for the most up-to-date availability and explore alternatives if one option is limited.
Zepbound® vs. Wegovy®: Safety considerations
Since Zepbound® and Wegovy® share several similar side effects. First, we’ll go through the most common side effects that people deal with when first starting treatment or increasing the dose. They tend to decrease over time as your body adjusts. Here’s what you might expect with either medication:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Fatigue
Both medications work best when paired with thoughtful food choices. While there are no strict food restrictions, limiting sugary drinks, fried foods, spicy foods, and gas-forming vegetables can help reduce discomfort.
Whether you choose Zepbound® (tirzepatide) or Wegovy® (semaglutide), it’s important to monitor how your body responds and work closely with your healthcare provider to address any concerns.
Zepbound® vs. Wegovy®: Serious side effects and warnings
While both Zepbound® and Wegovy® are effective tools for weight loss, they may cause serious side effects in some people and have a few warnings associated with them. Knowing what to look out for is crucial to ensure safe use of these medications. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Serious but rare side effects and conditions shared by both medications are:
- Allergic reactions: Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting; dizziness; or a rapid heartbeat.
- Pancreatitis: You may experience severe, persistent stomach pain that may radiate to your back, with or without vomiting.
- Vision changes: Seek immediate attention for sudden or severe vision issues.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): People with diabetes who use other blood sugar-lowering medications (e.g., insulin or sulfonylureas) could experience low blood sugar issues. Symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability, sweating, confusion, shakiness, weakness, headache, or a rapid heartbeat.
- Kidney problems: These can be linked to dehydration from nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Symptoms can include swelling in the legs or ankles, fatigue, shortness of breath, or changes in urination.
- Increased heart rate: Seek help if you notice a racing or pounding heartbeat lasting several minutes.
- Severe stomach issues: Both Zepbound and Wegovy can cause stomach-related side effects. Get immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms like intense abdominal pain, persistent nausea, or vomiting.
- Thyroid tumors: Symptoms may include swelling in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath. Note: A connection to thyroid tumors has not been found in humans, only in animal studies.
- Mental health concerns: Be aware of any changes in mood, behavior, or thoughts, including depression or suicidal ideation. Get immediate help if these symptoms arise.
While these issues are rare, being informed is key to using these medications safely. For full details, visit the official Zepbound® and Wegovy® websites or consult your clinician for personalized guidance. With the right care and monitoring, both medications can be effective tools on your weight loss journey.
Zepbound® vs. Wegovy®: The best choice for you
While research results and prices are important, your individual needs matter most. Everyone’s body is unique, and what works for one person might not be the best fit for another. Your clinician will find the medication that best suits your needs. They can walk you through the benefits, potential side effects, and costs of each medication, tailoring the choice to your specific health goals.
Another important aspect of these medications is that they are just one part of your weight loss journey. Pairing them with healthy lifestyle changes is important If you get your medication through Noom Med, your clinician will help design a plan that works for your health goals. By combining personalized medical guidance with psychological support, you will see the best results with the medication you choose.
High-quality meds. Powerful psychology-based weight loss.
- Starting at $149/month
- Meds to your door in 7 days
- 100% online access to coaches and doctors
- Backed by Noom's award winning behavior change program
Medications require consultation and prescription by clinician through Noom platform. Not all customers will qualify for prescription. Compounded semaglutide is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy or quality.

If you get your medication through your personal doctor, be sure to use Noom’s GLP-1 Companion. Noom’s GLP-1 Companion, an add-on available for all Noom members, can help you manage side effects, help you plan the healthiest diet, and guide you on the best exercises to build muscle. By addressing the medical and behavioral aspects together, we help people taking GLP-1s like Zepbound® and Wegovy® get results that last.
*Compounded semaglutide available on the Noom platform is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality.
Note: Ozempic® and Mounjaro® are not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.