What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (one hormone). Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist (two hormones), producing ~20.9% weight loss vs ~14.9% for semaglutide.

Is Zepbound the same as Mounjaro?

Yes. Both are tirzepatide by Eli Lilly. Zepbound is approved for weight management; Mounjaro for diabetes. Same drug, different brand names.

Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?

Almost. Both are semaglutide by Novo Nordisk. Wegovy has 2.4 mg (weight loss), Ozempic has up to 2 mg (diabetes).

Which GLP-1 is best for weight loss?

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) produces the most weight loss (~20.9%). Semaglutide (Wegovy) achieves ~14.9%. Foundayo ~12-15%. Best choice depends on insurance, budget, and preference.

Is Zepbound a semaglutide?

No. Zepbound is tirzepatide, made by Eli Lilly. Semaglutide is made by Novo Nordisk (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus).

Can I switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide?

Yes. Switching is common for patients who plateau. Start tirzepatide at 2.5 mg and titrate. Always consult your provider.

What is the cheapest GLP-1 medication?

Foundayo at $149/month is cheapest. Compounded semaglutide starts at $179/month. Wegovy ($1,300) and Zepbound ($1,050) are most expensive without insurance.

Are there oral GLP-1 medications?

Yes. Rybelsus (oral semaglutide, diabetes) and Foundayo (oral orforglipron, weight loss) are both oral pills. Foundayo has no fasting requirement.

What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?

Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics one gut hormone. Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist that mimics two hormones, producing superior weight loss. Clinical trials show tirzepatide achieves ~20.9% body weight loss vs ~14.9% for semaglutide.

Is Zepbound the same as Mounjaro?

Yes. Zepbound and Mounjaro are both tirzepatide, made by Eli Lilly. Zepbound is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and sleep apnea. Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Same drug, different brand names and indications.

Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?

Almost. Both are semaglutide made by Novo Nordisk. Wegovy contains 2.4 mg semaglutide (FDA-approved for weight management). Ozempic contains lower doses (up to 2 mg, FDA-approved for diabetes). Wegovy produces slightly more weight loss due to the higher dose.

Which GLP-1 is best for weight loss?

Based on clinical trial data, tirzepatide (Zepbound) produces the most weight loss (~20.9% at 15 mg). Semaglutide (Wegovy) achieves ~14.9%. Foundayo (orforglipron, oral) achieves ~12-15%. The best choice depends on your insurance, budget, preference for oral vs injection, and tolerance for side effects.

Is Zepbound a semaglutide?

No. Zepbound is tirzepatide, not semaglutide. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Eli Lilly. Semaglutide is a GLP-1-only receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus).

Can I switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide?

Yes, switching is possible and increasingly common. Patients who plateau on semaglutide may see additional weight loss by switching to tirzepatide. Always consult your provider before switching. There is no direct dose conversion — you typically start tirzepatide at the lowest dose (2.5 mg) and titrate up.

What is the cheapest GLP-1 medication?

Foundayo (oral orforglipron) at $149/month via LillyDirect is the cheapest branded GLP-1. Compounded semaglutide via telehealth starts at $179/month. Brand-name Wegovy ($1,300/month retail) and Zepbound ($1,050/month retail) are the most expensive without insurance or savings programs.

Are there oral GLP-1 medications?

Yes. Rybelsus (oral semaglutide, FDA-approved for diabetes) and Foundayo (oral orforglipron, FDA-approved for weight management) are both oral GLP-1 pills. Rybelsus must be taken on an empty stomach with water. Foundayo has no fasting requirement and is the first oral GLP-1 approved specifically for weight loss.

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GLP-1 Comparison Guide 2026: Which Medication Is Right for You?

Compare all GLP-1 medications side by side: semaglutide vs tirzepatide, Wegovy vs Zepbound vs Mounjaro vs Ozempic vs Foundayo.

August 6, 2026Healthy-Weight Editorial16 min read

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD

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All GLP-1 medications compared (August 2026)

The GLP-1 market in 2026 is confusing. Six FDA-approved brands share three active ingredients between two manufacturers, and brand names give no hint about which is which. This guide untangles everything in one place.

Brand	Active ingredient	Manufacturer	FDA indication	Form	Avg weight loss	Cash price/mo
Wegovy	Semaglutide 2.4 mg	Novo Nordisk	Weight management + CV risk	Weekly injection	~14.9%	$1,300 (retail) / $149 (NovoCare)
Zepbound	Tirzepatide	Eli Lilly	Weight management + OSA	Weekly injection	~20.9%	$1,050 (retail) / $299-449 (LillyDirect)
Ozempic	Semaglutide (≤2 mg)	Novo Nordisk	Type 2 diabetes + CV + kidney	Weekly injection	~11% (off-label)	~$950
Mounjaro	Tirzepatide	Eli Lilly	Type 2 diabetes	Weekly injection	~15-22% (off-label)	~$1,000
Rybelsus	Semaglutide (oral)	Novo Nordisk	Type 2 diabetes	Daily oral tablet	~8-10% (off-label)	~$900
Foundayo	Orforglipron	Eli Lilly	Weight management	Daily oral tablet	~12-15%	$149

Semaglutide vs tirzepatide: the key difference

The fundamental difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide is the number of hormone receptors they activate:

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist — it mimics one gut hormone (GLP-1) that reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying.
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — it mimics two gut hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), producing superior appetite suppression and metabolic effects.

The SURMOUNT-5 trial (NEJM 2025) confirmed tirzepatide's head-to-head advantage: patients on tirzepatide lost significantly more weight than those on semaglutide. However, semaglutide has a longer real-world track record and more long-term safety data.

Read our full semaglutide vs tirzepatide guide →

Which GLP-1 should you choose?

Best for maximum weight loss: Zepbound (tirzepatide)

If your goal is the most weight loss possible and you tolerate injections, Zepbound is the evidence-based choice. At ~20.9% body weight loss on the 15 mg dose, it outperforms every other GLP-1. LillyDirect vials at $299–$449/month make it accessible without insurance.

Best for proven track record: Wegovy (semaglutide)

Wegovy has the longest real-world experience and the most robust long-term safety data. If you value a proven medication over a newer one, Wegovy at $149/month through NovoCare is an excellent choice. The STEP-1 trial showed ~14.9% weight loss at 68 weeks.

Best for oral preference: Foundayo (orforglipron)

If you cannot or will not do injections, Foundayo is the first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 for weight management. At $149/month with no fasting requirement, it is also the cheapest branded option. Weight loss is ~12–15%, slightly less than injectables but far more convenient.

Best for budget: compounded semaglutide via telehealth

If cost is your primary concern, compounded semaglutide through telehealth programs starts at $179/month. These are not FDA-approved but are produced by licensed US compounding pharmacies. Check eligibility with NewSelf.

Best if you have diabetes: Mounjaro or Ozempic

If you have type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) generally outperforms Ozempic (semaglutide) on A1C reduction (SURPASS-2 trial). Both are covered by most insurance plans for diabetes. If you also want weight loss, Mounjaro offers more off-label weight loss benefit.

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Dosage comparison

Medication	Starting dose	Maintenance dose	Titration schedule	Frequency
Wegovy	0.25 mg	2.4 mg	5 steps over 16 weeks	Weekly injection
Zepbound	2.5 mg	5, 10, or 15 mg	4 steps over 12+ weeks	Weekly injection
Ozempic	0.25 mg	0.5, 1, or 2 mg	4 steps over 12+ weeks	Weekly injection
Mounjaro	2.5 mg	5, 10, or 15 mg	4 steps over 12+ weeks	Weekly injection
Rybelsus	3 mg	7 or 14 mg	2 steps over 30 days	Daily oral (fasting)
Foundayo	Per label	Per label	Per provider guidance	Daily oral (no fasting)

Side effect comparison

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide share similar side effect profiles (nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting). Key differences:

Tirzepatide tends to cause slightly more nausea and vomiting, especially at higher doses (10–15 mg).
Semaglutide has a slightly longer track record, so rare side effects are better documented.
Both carry the same boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors and the same contraindications (MTC/MEN2 history).
Both can cause "Ozempic face," hair loss, and muscle loss with rapid weight loss — these are weight-loss effects, not drug-specific.

Read our complete GLP-1 side effects guide →

Insurance coverage comparison

Medication	Commercial insurance	Medicare	Medicaid	Cash-pay option
Wegovy	Yes (prior auth, BMI 30+/27+)	No (weight loss only)	Varies by state	$149/mo NovoCare
Zepbound	Yes (prior auth, BMI 30+/27+)	No (weight loss only)	Varies by state	$299-449/mo LillyDirect
Ozempic	Yes (for diabetes)	Yes (for diabetes)	Yes (for diabetes)	~$950/mo retail
Mounjaro	Yes (for diabetes)	Yes (for diabetes)	Yes (for diabetes)	~$1,000/mo retail
Foundayo	Expanding	TBD	TBD	$149/mo LillyDirect

Related comparisons

Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up through them, at no extra cost to you. Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medication.

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