There are fewer medications today more talked about than Zepbound® vs Wegovy®. Both are designed to assist in healthy medical weight loss journeys when other methods have failed. And both can help individuals struggling with obesity-related conditions. Yet Zepbound® and Wegovy® have a few distinct differences that are important to unpack, especially when it comes to making your healthiest choice for sustained weight loss.
What Is Zepbound®?
Zepbound® is a name-brand FDA-approved drug known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, prescribed for both medical weight loss as well as helping manage Type II diabetes. In most cases, it’s administered via 2.5mg to 15 mg injections once a week and is formulated from the antidiabetic active ingredient tirzepatide.
Agonist drugs like tirzepatide work by mimicking the body’s natural incretin hormones, i.e. the hormones produced in the digestive tract after eating. Zepbound® contains a formula of GLP-1 tirzepatide that regulates appetite, slows down food passing through the digestive system, and improves blood sugar control.
What Is Wegovy®?
Wegovy® is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist and the brand-name version of semaglutide — another popular antidiabetic medication, and the same active ingredient that’s in Ozempic®.
Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and works by suppressing appetite hormones and promoting feelings of fullness. Like Zepbound®, Wegovy® is usually administered as a once-weekly injection starting at 0.25 mg per injection working up to 2.4 mg.
Zepbound® vs Wegovy® for Weight Loss: What’s the Difference?
Both Zepbound® and Wegovy® can be prescribed to support weight loss. Both rely on active ingredients that mimic the body’s fullness hormones, slow digestion, and assist in glucose regulation. Zepbound® does this by using the active ingredient tirzepatide; and Wegovy® using semaglutide.
However, there are several key differences between Wegovy® and Zepbound® for you and your doctor to review besides their active ingredient.
Efficacy
- Zepbound®: Clinical trials have shown Zepbound’s® effectiveness in promoting weight loss of up to 18-20% of body weight or more. This makes it a highly potent option for individuals seeking significant results across 12-24 months of typical treatment.
- Wegovy®: Wegovy® also delivers impressive weight loss outcomes, with patients typically losing around 15% of their body weight after one year. While slightly less effective than Zepbound®, it remains a strong contender for many.
Cost
- Zepbound®: The cost of Zepbound® can vary widely and will partially be determined by insurance coverage. Insurance can help offset most of the cost of Zepbound® injections across a designated treatment period. Without insurance, Zepbound® can cost $1,000-$1,500 per month, made up of four once-weekly injections.
- Wegovy®: Wegovy’s pricing is similar to Zepbound®, often ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 monthly without insurance. Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost, but again, coverage varies and depends on your health and what Wegovy® is prescribed to treat.
Availability
- Wegovy®: Wegovy® is more widely available due to its established presence in the market. However, high demand has occasionally led the prescription to being included in the FDA’s “currently in shortage” list.
- Zepbound®: Availability can be limited depending on location and demand. It is crucial to consult your primary care doctor to determine reliable access given its smaller market presence.
Results Timeline
- Zepbound®: Noticeable weight loss begins for most within the first 4-6 weeks, with more significant results appearing at the 3-6 month mark of consistent injections.
- Wegovy®: Patients often see initial weight loss within their first month, with more pronounced weight loss also achieved after 3-6 of adherence to a treatment plan.
Side Effects of Wegovy® vs. Zepbound®
All GLP-1 medications carry some risk of side effects. Though rarely serious, and typically short-lived and manageable, potential side effects experienced from Zepbound® and Wegovy® include:
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Zepbound®, with its tirzepatide formula, has some instances of more pronounced GI pain and discomfort within its first 4-8 weeks of injections. Wegovy’s® side effects are generally well-tolerated by most people, with nausea and vomiting the most frequently reported issues.
How to Administer Zepbound® and Wegovy®
Both Zepbound® and Wegovy® are administered via subcutaneous injections, and both medications involve similar techniques:
- Use a prefilled, exact-dosage pen during the injection.
- A rotation of injection sites (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) to avoid irritation.
- Make sure to follow your doctor’s exact instructions for storage, dosage, and administration.
For those new to injecting Zepbound® or how to inject Zepbound®, your healthcare provider can offer guidance, and possible in-person injections themselves, to help ensure safe and effective usage.
Insurance Coverage: Does Insurance Cover Zepbound® or Wegovy® for Weight Loss?
Insurance coverage for both Zepbound® and Wegovy® varies. In most cases, plans don’t typically cover the full costs of GLP-1 agonists used solely for weight loss.
However, many healthcare providers try hard to work with your insurance plan to build a case for medical necessity and treatment, especially for patients with obesity, diabetic patients, or those managing weight-related cardiovascular or metabolic diagnoses.
How to Pick Between Zepbound® vs. Wegovy®
Deciding between Wegovy® and Zebound® is all about your individual weight loss goals, medical history, age, and insurance plans and budget. That’s why it’s essential to consult with a medical weight loss physician like Dr. Brook Seeley at Connecticut Facial Plastic Surgery.
15+ Years of Guided Weight Loss Plans
Dr. Seeley has spent over two decades developing a highly individualized patient care program that includes a physician-led weight management program at his Farmington, CT and Old Wethersfield, CT medical spas.
He and his expert team are here to guide you along your weight loss journey to finally achieve the health goals you desire at costs you can afford.