If you have become frustrated trying to lose weight on your own and are considering trying GLP-1 weight loss medication, you might be wondering how Wegovy vs. Zepbound compare.
Today, we will compare the differences between Wegovy and Zepbound to help you determine which might work best for you. We will give you an overview of how they work, their benefits, side effects, and cost, and answer a common question when comparing Wegovy vs. Zepbound; “Which is better?”
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History Of Zepbound vs. Wegovy
Both of these medications were first developed to help with blood sugar regulation in individuals with type 2 diabetes and were marketed under the brand names Ozempic and Mounjaro. Many of the participants involved in the clinical trials also lost weight, which led to another approval from the FDA, and now they can also be used for weight management under the brand names Wegovy and Zepbound. The active ingredient in Wegovy (semaglutide) and in Zebound (tirzepatide) is the same for treating both type 2 diabetes and for weight loss, but the dosage of each medication is higher when it is used for weight management.
How Do Wegovy vs. Zepbound Work?
Both Wegovy and Zepbound are prescription medications that are administered through a weekly injection to assist with weight loss, with the biggest difference being the way they work in your body.
Your body makes a hormone when you eat that triggers your metabolism to begin the digestion process and enhance its performance. One hormone is GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is responsible for helping to slow down how fast your stomach empties, helps to balance your blood sugar levels, and regulates the release of insulin.
Both these medications copy this GLP-1 hormone, but Zepbound also mimics an additional hormone called GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), which is responsible for helping to break down fat and turn it into energy rather than store it, causing weight gain.
Zepbound vs. Wegovy Side Effects
Both Wegovy and Zepbound influence digestive hormones, so they have the same set of common side effects, which include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Zepbound may also slightly increase the risk of low blood sugar in some people.
Rarer Side Effects That Can Occur
Some more serious side effects that can occur with both of these medications include:
- Kidney problems
- Pancreatitis
- Changes in vision
- Gallbladder issues
- Allergic reactions
Can Anyone Use Wegovy And Zepbound?
No, not everyone is a good candidate for GLP-1 medications, and individuals with the following conditions should avoid these types of medications.
- Have allergies to ingredients that are used in the formulation of these medications.
- Have a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) in their family.
- Are pregnant or currently nursing.
- Have chronic GI issues or problems with your kidneys or pancreas.
How Does The Weight Loss For Wegovy vs. Zepbound Compare?
Both of these injectable medications offer significant weight loss potential, but Zepbound may offer more because it mimics not only the GLP-1 hormone but also the GIP hormone.
Both Wegovy and Zepbound can result in significant weight loss, but they must be combined with healthy lifestyle changes that promote a healthy weight. Research has shown when comparing Zepbound vs. Wegovy that:
- Patients who use Wegovy can lose an average of between 10% and 16% of their starting body weight, and
- Patients using Zepbound can lose between 15% and 21% of their starting body weight.
These are just weight loss averages, and at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center, we have seen patients far surpass these published results. One of our expertly qualified professionals can help determine which medication would be the best fit for your needs and circumstances.
What Is The Difference Between The Dosage Schedules?
Wegovy and Zepbound are two completely different medications, so they have different dosage schedules. Both are administered via subcutaneous injection that is taken once a week and dosed using a titration schedule, allowing your body to gradually get used to the medication to mitigate the severity of common side effects.
Zepbound’s maximum dose is higher than Wegovy’s and takes most patients at least six months to reach, while it only takes around five months to reach the highest dose of Wegovy. It is important to note that your doctor will oversee your dosing schedule, and not everyone will remain on each dose for exactly one month. Once you reach the dose that triggers your body to start shedding pounds, you might remain on that dose until your weight loss slows down or levels off.
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Zepbound vs. Wegovy Cost
The difference in cost when comparing Zepbound vs. Wegovy can be minimal or can vary greatly depending on your geographic location, supply and demand, the strength of the dose, and the pharmacy you are using.
Most insurance plans do not cover the cost of GLP-1 medications if prescribed for weight loss only, but you may be eligible for savings programs or coupons offered by the manufacturer that could lower the monthly cost of either medication. The average Wegovy vs. Zepbound cost in NYC includes:
Wegovy
The manufacturer list price for Wegovy is around $1,349 per month, but patients paying cash or whose insurance does not cover the cost of Wegovy may qualify for a reduced price of $499 per month from the NovoCare reduced-cost program or as little as zero dollars a month with insurance and the savings card if eligible.
Zepbound
The manufacturer list price for Zepbound starts between $1,060 and $1,200 per month at major pharmacies but can sometimes run between $350 and $500 a month for the manufacturer’s self-pay vial option. Some qualified patients may pay as little as $25 a month with insurance and a savings card.
Which Is Better? Wegovy vs. Zepbound
Trying to make a decision about which medication is right for you can be tricky, so it is best to work with a qualified weight loss doctor like Dr. Batash at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center in NYC. He and his team will assess your current health and previous weight loss attempts and will create a plan that will help you overcome the challenges that held you back in the past. Wegovy or Zepbound may be included in your personalized weight loss plan, which will be monitored to ensure you are losing weight as expected.
The good news is when choosing between Wegovy vs. Zepbound, you can switch from one to the other if you are not seeing the results you expect or if you are dealing with unpleasant side effects.
Zepbound may be a better fit for those who need some additional power since it includes the extra GIP hormone, and some may prefer Wegovy if they anticipate strong side effects when starting the medication. The Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center team may create a plan for you that includes one of these medications and a non-surgical weight loss procedure for more dramatic weight loss results.
Where Can I Find Out More Wegovy vs. Zepbound?
Dr. Batash and his team of expert weight loss professionals can help you decide which form of medical intervention will work best for your needs and circumstances.
They can help you decide between Zepbound vs. Wegovy and help guide you to ensure you choose the medication that will work best for you. If you are not a good candidate for these GLP-1 medications, Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center offers other non-surgical weight loss options in New York that are safe and effective and offer minimal recovery time.
You may be a good candidate for the Orbera or Spatz 3 gastric balloon or Suture Sculpt endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). Both make the usable capacity of your stomach much smaller to help control your portions and keep you feeling full for longer.
Learn More About Losing Weight Without Surgery
If losing weight has been a constant struggle, the team at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center is here to help. They will work with you to create a personalized plan that sets you up for success, so you can gain control over your weight and improve your health.Take the first step toward better health and schedule your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zepbound more effective than Wegovy?
Yes, clinical trials demonstrated that Zepbound helped people lose more weight than Wegovy because it targets two hormones (GLP‑1 and GIP), while Wegovy (semaglutide) only targets one (GLP‑1).
Do Wegovy and Zepbound have the same ingredients?
No, both are weekly injections that help with weight loss, but they are different medications. Wegovy contains semaglutide and mimics the GLP-1 hormone, and Zepbound contains tirzepatide and mimics both GLP‑1 and GIP, which is why it may offer more weight loss in some people.
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