One of the most common questions around GLP-1 medications for newbies and experienced users alike: What is the difference between Zepbound and Wegovy? Here’s an explainer!
| Feature | Zepbound | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| How it Works | Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Other Names for the Same Medication | Tirzepatide Mounjaro | Semaglutide Ozempic |
| Weight Loss Efficacy | Superior (average 20.2% weight loss in a comparative study) | Effective (average 13.7% weight loss in a comparative study) |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion, fatigue | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue |
| Boxed Warning | Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors | Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors |
| How to take it | Once a week injection | Once a week injection |
| Dosages | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg | 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, 2.4 mg |
| FDA Approval Date | November 8, 2023 | June 4, 2021 |
| Price Without Insurance (injection pen 4-week supply) | List Price: $1,086.37 With Manufacturer Coupon: $499 | List Price: $1,349.02 With Manufacturer Coupon: $499 |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Novo Nordisk |
Summary of Zepbound vs. Wegovy
Zepbound and Wegovy are highly effective in promoting weight loss and are significant advancements in obesity treatment. Zepbound has demonstrated a greater magnitude of weight reduction in clinical trials. The choice between them often depends on individual patient factors, including co-existing conditions, specific treatment goals, tolerance to side effects, and insurance coverage. It is crucial to discuss these options thoroughly with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Weight Loss Encouragement Emails
Understanding the Landscape of Weight Loss Drugs
For years, the struggle to lose weight and keep it off has been a significant health concern for millions, often leading to weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. The development of new drugs in the class of GLP-1 medications has revolutionized how we approach obesity, offering more effective options than ever before. These injectable medications work by mimicking natural hormones in the body that play a crucial role in regulating appetite and food intake.
How Do They Work? The Science Behind the Success
Both Zepbound and Wegovy are administered as once-weekly injections, typically as a subcutaneous injection. Their primary mechanism of action involves interacting with gut hormones that influence feelings of fullness and blood sugar levels.
- Wegovy (semaglutide): Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the action of glucagon-like peptide-1, a natural hormone. GLP-1 slows gastric emptying, which helps you feel full for longer, and also signals the brain to reduce appetite. This dual action helps to decrease overall food intake.
- Zepbound (tirzepatide): Developed by Eli Lilly, Zepbound is a newer entrant to the market and has a key difference. It is a dual agonist, meaning it activates not only the GLP-1 receptor but also the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor. GIP is another hormone that contributes to feelings of fullness and plays a role in blood glucose levels. This dual action may lead to even greater weight loss for some individuals.
Clinical Trial Results: A Look at the Numbers
Both Zepbound and Wegovy have undergone rigorous clinical trials, demonstrating their effectiveness in promoting significant weight loss.
- Wegovy’s Performance: In clinical trials, adults taking Wegovy alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity achieved an average weight loss of approximately 13.7% of their initial body weight over 72 weeks. Many also experienced improvements in weight-related medical conditions.
- Zepbound’s Performance: Recent clinical trials, including the SURMOUNT-5 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, have shown Zepbound to lead to even more substantial weight loss. In a head-to-head comparison, participants treated with the highest dose of Zepbound achieved an average weight reduction of 20.2% compared to 13.7% with Wegovy over 72 weeks. This suggests that for some, Zepbound may be a more effective option for reaching their weight loss goals.
Weight Loss Plateaus are common for both GLP-1 medications after 24 months
Potential Side Effects: What to Expect
Like all prescription medications, both Zepbound and Wegovy can cause potential side effects. It’s crucial to discuss your medical history and any existing health conditions with your healthcare professional before starting either medication.
The most common side effects for both drugs are often gastrointestinal in nature, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These digestive tract issues are typically mild to moderate and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication and the dosage is gradually increased. Some individuals may experience fatigue or injection site reactions.
Serious adverse events are rare but can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney issues, and severe allergic reactions. Both drugs carry a boxed warning regarding the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, based on animal studies, though it’s unknown if this risk translates to humans. It’s also important to note that if you have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, these medications may not be the best option for you.
Considerations for Your Weight Loss Journey
Choosing between Zepbound and Wegovy, or determining if either is suitable, is a decision best made in close consultation with your healthcare provider. Here are some factors to consider:
- Individual Needs and Weight Loss Goals: The “best option” is highly individualized. Your healthcare provider will assess your body mass index (BMI), overall health conditions, and personal weight loss goals to recommend the most appropriate medical treatment.
- Insurance Coverage: A significant consideration for many is insurance coverage. The availability and extent of insurance plans covering these weight-loss drugs can vary widely. It’s essential to check with your insurance provider about coverage for either Zepbound or Wegovy, as prior authorization or other restrictions may apply. Savings programs may also be available from the manufacturers.
- We’ve mentioned before why employers should cover GLP-1s.
- Cardiovascular Benefits: While both drugs can lead to improvements in cardiovascular risk factors due to weight loss, Wegovy has specifically been approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with established heart disease and either obesity or overweight.
- Ongoing Support: Regardless of which medication is chosen, a comprehensive weight loss treatment plan should include ongoing support, such as a healthy diet and increased physical activity. These medications are tools to assist your weight loss journey, not replacements for healthy lifestyle changes.
In conclusion, both Zepbound and Wegovy represent significant advancements in chronic weight management, offering genuine hope for those striving for a healthier weight and improved well-being. By understanding their key differences, potential benefits, and common side effects, you can engage in an informed and empowering conversation with your healthcare team to determine the best path forward for your unique journey. Remember, the goal is not just to lose much weight, but to achieve sustainable health and a greater quality of life.
Sources:
Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity – PubMed
Disclaimers: Friends, I am not a medical professional, nor do I pretend to be one on the internet. This information is for educational purposes only, gathered from trusted sources and my personal experiences. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication or lifestyle. This post has links included that are affiliate links. Countess of Shopping & her furbabies will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking through the links at no cost to you.
