Zepbound vs. Wegovy: How Do They Compare?

It’s an exciting time for people who have historically struggled to reach and maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. New FDA-approved weight management medications are helping them achieve their goals and improve their overall health.

One of the challenges now for people interested in medication-assisted weight loss is understanding their options. For example, how do Zepbound and Wegovy compare?

This article explains the similarities and differences between these two weight-loss drugs. It provides helpful information as background for a conversation with your doctor about these medications and whether either is right for you.

Zepbound and Wegovy: Understanding the Basics

Zepbound (a trade name for tirzepatide) and Wegovy (pronounced wee-GOH-vee, a trade name for semaglutide) are medications that affect hormones involved in digestion. People who take one of these drugs feel full longer after eating, experience fewer cravings, and consequently eat less and lose weight.

Doctors also prescribe tirzepatide and semaglutide under different names (Mounjaro and Ozempic/Rybelsus, respectively) to treat type 2 diabetes.

Zepbound and Wegovy: Similarities and Differences

Zepbound and Wegovy are similar in a few ways. Both are injectable medications that act on hormones in the digestive system to promote weight loss. They also have similar common side effects, which can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Belching
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Heartburn
• Hair loss
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Injection site reaction

Of course, those are possible common side effects. Not everyone experiences any or all of them or has them to the same degree. In addition, both medications have a risk of serious side effects that your doctor can explain.

Zepbound and Wegovy also differ in various ways. One of the most important differences is that Zepbound is a “dual-agonist” drug, whereas Wegovy is a “single-agonist” drug. That distinction means that Zepbound affects two hormones, and Wegovy affects one.

Studies have shown that Zepbound may help people lose more weight than Wegovy. However, it’s essential to understand that maximum weight loss isn’t the goal and that both drugs can help people reach their optimal weight.

Another difference is that Zepbound and Wegovy have different dosages. While both medications are gradually increased to a maintenance dosage, Zepbound users reach that point a little faster.

In addition, Wegovy may be better for reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems in adults with heart disease. Also, Wegovy is approved for people 12 and older, while Zepbound is currently only approved for those 18 and older.

The Rapidly Evolving World of Weight-Management Medications

Although the available weight-loss drugs have been proven safe and effective, research on them continues. For example, studies are evaluating Zepbound for use in adolescents.

If you’re interested in trying Zepbound or Wegovy for weight loss and your doctor agrees that it might be helpful for you, they can provide important information. They have access to the latest data on weight loss potential, FDA approvals, drug interactions, side effects, and more.

If you don’t have a Baptist Health doctor, you can find one in our online provider directory.