Zepbound vs Wegovy
If you're choosing between the two branded weight-loss shots, this is the matchup. Zepbound is tirzepatide (dual GIP/GLP-1); Wegovy is semaglutide (GLP-1). Both are FDA-approved specifically for weight management — and a head-to-head trial gives Zepbound the edge on average weight loss.
Last reviewed 2026-09-01 by the TopGLP1 Editorial Team
Educational, not medical advice. This page explains GLP-1 medications in general terms. Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide what's right for you.
For average weight loss, Zepbound (tirzepatide) is the stronger pick — SURMOUNT-5 showed it outperforming semaglutide. Wegovy remains excellent and has longer cardiovascular-outcome evidence.
Choose Zepbound if…
you want the highest average weight loss of the two approved brands.
Choose Wegovy if…
you value the longer track record and proven cardiovascular-event reduction.
Side by side
| Zepbound | Wegovy | |
|---|---|---|
| Molecule | Tirzepatide (GIP/GLP-1) | Semaglutide (GLP-1) |
| Approved for | Chronic weight management | Chronic weight management |
| Avg. weight loss | ~15–21% (SURMOUNT-1) | ~15% (STEP 1) |
| Head-to-head | Superior in SURMOUNT-5 | Less than tirzepatide in SURMOUNT-5 |
| Dosing | Weekly, 2.5 → 15 mg | Weekly, 0.25 → 2.4 mg |
| Cardiovascular data | Maturing | 20% MACE reduction (SELECT) |
How they compare on results
Both are approved specifically for weight loss, so this is a cleaner comparison than Ozempic vs Wegovy. In SURMOUNT-1, tirzepatide reached up to ~21% average weight loss; in STEP 1, semaglutide reached ~15%. The head-to-head SURMOUNT-5 trial confirmed tirzepatide's average advantage.
That said, 'more on average' isn't 'better for everyone.' Semaglutide's SELECT cardiovascular-outcomes data is a real point in its favor, and plenty of people reach their goal on Wegovy with good tolerability.
Side effects & safety
Similar GI-dominant side effects and identical class warnings (pancreatitis, gallbladder, thyroid C-cell). Rapid weight loss on either raises gallbladder-symptom risk.
Cost
Both list around $1,000–$1,350/mo cash; manufacturer savings and single-dose vials can help. Compounded tirzepatide ($119/mo at Embody) and semaglutide ($69/mo) are the low-cost routes to the same molecules.
Full drug guides
Zepbound vs Wegovy: common questions
Sources & references
Clinical figures on this page trace to peer-reviewed trials and official regulators. We link the primary record so you can verify it yourself.
- 1.Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205–216.Clinical trialNew England Journal of Medicine
- 2.Wilding JPH, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989–1002.Clinical trialNew England Journal of Medicine
- 3.Aronne LJ, et al. Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2025.Clinical trialNew England Journal of Medicine
- 4.Lincoff AM, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2023;389(24):2221–2232.Clinical trialNew England Journal of Medicine