Wegovy vs. Zepbound: Which Weight-Loss Injection Wins?

The two FDA-approved obesity brands — semaglutide vs. tirzepatide — compared on the evidence.

✓ Medically reviewedUpdated 2026

The bottom line

Zepbound produced more weight loss than Wegovy in the head-to-head SURMOUNT-5 trial (~20% vs ~14% over 72 weeks). Both are once-weekly injections and both are highly effective; Wegovy (semaglutide) has the longer track record and cardiovascular-outcomes data, while Zepbound (tirzepatide) is the more potent dual-agonist. A clinician helps match one to your history and goals.

At a glance

 WegovyZepbound
Active drugSemaglutide (GLP-1)Tirzepatide (GIP + GLP-1)
FDA approved forChronic weight management; CV risk reduction in obesityChronic weight management; obstructive sleep apnea
Avg. weight loss~14.9% (STEP 1)~20.9% at 15 mg (SURMOUNT-1)
Head-to-headZepbound ~20.2% vs Wegovy ~13.7% (SURMOUNT-5)
DoseWeekly, up to 2.4 mgWeekly, up to 15 mg

Wegovy and Zepbound are the two FDA-approved obesity brands. Wegovy is semaglutide; Zepbound is tirzepatide — so this comparison is the brand-name version of semaglutide vs. tirzepatide.

Weight loss

Head-to-head weight loss: SURMOUNT-5 (72 weeks)
Aronne LJ et al., NEJM 2025.
Zepbound (tirzepatide)Zepbound (tirzepatide): 20.2%20.2%Wegovy (semaglutide)Wegovy (semaglutide): 13.7%13.7%
In the direct SURMOUNT-5 trial, Zepbound outperformed Wegovy — but both produce large, clinically meaningful weight loss, and Wegovy has the longer track record plus dedicated cardiovascular-outcomes data.

Cost

Both carry high U.S. list prices. Compounded versions of the same active ingredients are typically far less.

Typical monthly cost (cash)
Brand list prices approximate; compounded = DripVitals start rate.
Wegovy (brand)Wegovy (brand): $1,349$1,349 listZepbound (brand)Zepbound (brand): $1,086$1,086 listCompounded semaglutideCompounded semaglutide: $199$199Compounded tirzepatideCompounded tirzepatide: $129$129

DripVitals offers compounded semaglutide (the drug in Wegovy) and compounded tirzepatide (the drug in Zepbound), clinician-reviewed and shipped to your door.

Getting treatment online

DripVitals is an online clinic: complete a secure intake, a licensed clinician reviews it, and if a GLP-1 medication is appropriate it ships from a licensed pharmacy to your door, with follow-ups by message or video.

See if you qualifyExplore GLP-1 treatments

Related comparisons

Semaglutide vs. TirzepatideOzempic vs. WegovyMounjaro vs. ZepboundCompounded vs. brand-name

Frequently asked questions

Is Zepbound better than Wegovy?

In SURMOUNT-5, Zepbound produced greater average weight loss. “Better” still depends on tolerability, history and cost; both are effective.

Are they the same drug?

No. Wegovy is semaglutide; Zepbound is tirzepatide — see semaglutide vs tirzepatide.

What about Ozempic and Mounjaro?

Those are the diabetes-brand versions of the same two drugs. See Ozempic vs Wegovy and Mounjaro vs Zepbound.

Is there a cheaper option?

Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide contain the same active ingredients and are typically far cheaper, though not FDA-approved.

Clinical references

  1. Aronne LJ, et al. Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide for Obesity (SURMOUNT-5). N Engl J Med. 2025.
  2. Wilding JPH, et al. STEP 1. N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989–1002.
  3. Jastreboff AM, et al. SURMOUNT-1. N Engl J Med. 2022;387:205–216.
  4. FDA prescribing information: Wegovy (semaglutide); Zepbound (tirzepatide).
Medically reviewed. For general education only — not medical advice, and not a substitute for a consultation with a licensed clinician. Trial figures are group averages; individual results vary. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
GLP-1 medications are prescription treatments with risks and contraindications, including a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors; do not use with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2. This page is not medical advice; a licensed clinician determines whether treatment is appropriate for you.