Generic name
semaglutide
tirzepatide
Manufacturer
Novo Nordisk
Eli Lilly
Drug class
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist
FDA approved
June 2021
November 2023
Indication
Chronic weight management (BMI ≥ 30, or ≥ 27 with comorbidity)
Chronic weight management (adults)
Dose schedule
Subcutaneous injection · Once weekly
Subcutaneous injection · Once weekly
Available doses
0.25 mg · 0.5 mg · 1 mg · 1.7 mg · 2.4 mg
2.5 mg · 5 mg · 7.5 mg · 10 mg · 12.5 mg · 15 mg
Mechanism
Wegovy is the same molecule as Ozempic — semaglutide — titrated to a higher 2.4 mg maintenance dose. It binds the GLP-1 receptor, augmenting glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite via central nervous system pathways.
Tirzepatide is a first-in-class single molecule that activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. The dual incretin action slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite via central nervous system pathways while improving glucose handling — producing larger average weight loss than single GLP-1 agonists in its obesity trials.
Common side effects
Nausea (44%), diarrhea (30%), vomiting (24%) — more frequent than Ozempic doses
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation — mostly mild, ease after titration
Cost range
$0 – $1,500 / month depending on coverage and savings card
$25 – $1,300 / month depending on coverage
This comparison is for education only and is not medical advice. Wegovy and Zepbound are prescription medicines with distinct FDA-approved indications. Whether either is appropriate for you — and at what dose — is a decision for a licensed clinician.