ZepboundⓇ and WegovyⓇ are two GLP-1 medications approved for weight loss. If you are deciding between the two, which one should you choose? We break down the differences and pros and cons, so you can make the most informed decision about which is best for you.
WegovyⓇ
WegovyⓇ is a prescription medication made by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. It was approved by the FDA in 2021 for weight loss in those who are obese or overweight with certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
The active ingredient in WegovyⓇ is called semaglutide. This ingredient is also found in OzempicⓇ, another drug made by Novo Nordisk, but used for blood sugar management.
WegovyⓇ works by mimicking the action of the naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). It binds to the GLP-1 receptor in your brain, which in turn decreases appetite, hunger, and cravings. It also slows down how quickly your food leaves your stomach. Both of these mechanisms lower calorie intake, resulting in weight loss.
According to a trial by Novo Nordisk, subjects lost an average of 15.2% of their body weight after two years on the medication. The placebo group in this study lost 2.6% of their body weight.
ZepboundⓇ
ZepboundⓇ is also a GLP-1 prescription medication made by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly. It was approved by the FDA in 2023 for the treatment of obesity, similar to Wegovy.Ⓡ
The active ingredient in ZepboundⓇ is called tirzepatide. This ingredient can be found in a diabetes medication called MounjaroⓇ, also made by Eli Lilly.
Similar to WegovyⓇ, ZepboundⓇ mimics the action of the GLP-1 hormone, reducing appetite, cravings, and hunger. But Zepbound takes it a step further by also targeting another hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). The targeting of both hormones seems to be more effective at helping people lose weight.
According to a trial by Eli Lilly, participants on the highest dose of Zepbound lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight after 72 weeks compared with just 3% lost by the placebo group.
ZepboundⓇ vs WegovyⓇ: Which is More Effective?
A 2024 study compared the effectiveness of ZepboundⓇ vs WegovyⓇ for weight loss. The study included 18,386 subjects and evaluated their weight loss for one year. Researchers found that subjects on tirzepatide lost significantly more weight than those on semaglutide over 3, 6, and 12 months.
When patients were matched on dosage, those on tirzepatide were more likely to achieve clinically significant weight loss (5%, 10%, or 15%) than those on semaglutide. For example, at 12 months, 42.3% of tirzepatide users achieved at least 15% weight loss compared to 18.1% of those on semaglutide. All subjects lost at least 5% of their body weight, regardless of the medication.
Those without type 2 diabetes (T2D) experienced greater weight loss than those with diabetes, though tirzepatide was more effective across all subgroups.
There were no significant differences in side effects reported between the two medications. Discontinuation rates were fairly high for both medications; side effects were only one of the reasons cited by subjects. Lack of availability and issues with coverage were also a problem.
One thing to note about this study is that it used electronic health records to evaluate the weight changes for each medication. This made it challenging to measure confounding variables that could have resulted in increased weight loss.
Further trials are needed to determine the long-term success of both of these GLP-1 medications and the results you can expect.
Which GLP-1 is Best for You?
To determine the best medication for you, start by talking to your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your current health status and preferences, and make recommendations based on their clinical experience. Insurance coverage may also be a factor in determining which medication is best for you.
Regardless of which GLP-1 you are prescribed, you can be successful on either. If you are ready to make the right lifestyle changes to optimize your results, visit the diet and lifestyle section of our blog for resources and evidence-based recommendations.
