Short answerZepbound and Wegovy are both FDA-approved for weight loss, but they are different drugs. Zepbound (tirzepatide) acts on two hormone receptors and produced up to 22.5% average weight loss in trials, compared with about 15% for Wegovy (semaglutide). At checked prices, brand Zepbound costs $1,249/month at altRx (pens from $299 for month one at ro), and compounded options start at $49/month for semaglutide and $89/month for tirzepatide.Prices checked on each provider’s website on October 16, 2026.
What is the difference between Zepbound and Wegovy?
Zepbound contains tirzepatide and Wegovy contains semaglutide, and they are the two GLP-1-based drugs with FDA approval for chronic weight management. That separates them from Mounjaro and Ozempic, which are approved for diabetes and prescribed off-label for weight loss. A weight-management approval means each drug was tested in clinical trials designed to measure weight loss directly.
Our 2 favorite GLP-1 providers
The two providers our editors recommend first, with the same checked prices and scores used in our full ranking.
Our Most Popular
1
Exceptional
9.8out of 10
Semaglutide from $69/mo, delivered in 1-2 days
Refund if not approvedFree expedited shipping
Treatments offered
Compounded semaglutide injection (GLP-1) · Compounded tirzepatide injection (GLP-1 + GIP) · Online doctor review and prescription · Dose changes through the patient portal
Starting price
$79$69/month
*Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
- Semaglutide $69/mo; tirzepatide $119/mo
- 5-minute questionnaire; doctor review usually within 24 hours
- Free 1-2 day shipping: cold-packed, tracked and insured
- No insurance, no clinic visits, cancel anytime
Pricing starts at
from $69/month
embody prescribes compounded semaglutide at $69/mo and tirzepatide at $119/mo online, ships in 1-2 days, and requires no insurance. Trustpilot: 3.8 from 9,604 reviews.
Read full embody review2
Exceptional
9.7out of 10
Low-cost GLP-1 care: semaglutide from $89/mo
Clear, flat pricingNo insurance needed
Treatments offered
Compounded semaglutide injection (GLP-1) · Compounded tirzepatide injection (GLP-1 + GIP) · Brand-name Ozempic, Zepbound and Wegovy · Once-weekly injection schedule
Starting price
$199$89/month
*Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
- Semaglutide from $89/mo; tirzepatide from $149/mo
- Brand-name Ozempic, Zepbound and Wegovy available
- Reviewed by a physician, PA or nurse practitioner
- Free shipping, arriving in about 5-7 days
Pricing starts at
from $89/month
altRx sells compounded semaglutide from $89/month and tirzepatide from $149/month at a flat price per dose, plus brand-name Ozempic, Zepbound and Wegovy. Self-pay, no insurance needed.
Read full altRx reviewHow do Zepbound and Wegovy work in the body?
Wegovy acts on a single receptor, GLP-1. Zepbound acts on two, GLP-1 and GIP, and that dual action gives it a wider metabolic effect. For the full mechanism, read how GLP-1 medications work and our tirzepatide vs semaglutide comparison.
Which causes more weight loss, Zepbound or Wegovy?
Zepbound produced more average weight loss in trials:
- Zepbound (SURMOUNT): up to 22.5% over 72 weeks.
- Wegovy (STEP): about 15% over 68 weeks.
How much do Zepbound and Wegovy cost per month?
Verified published prices:
- altRx: Zepbound $1,249/month, Wegovy $1,579/month.
- Sprout: Wegovy $1,799/month.
- ro: Zepbound KwikPens from $299 for the first month, then $399-449, plus a separate membership.
Lowest-priced GLP-1 plans
The cheapest published plans, sorted from lowest price, with the terms listed under every price.
Is GLP-1 Treatment Right for You?
GLP-1 medication is prescription-only: a licensed clinician has to decide it is appropriate, and it is not a fit for everyone. Side effects are possible, and they tend to show up in the first few weeks while your body adapts.
Results are usually best when the medication is paired with simple daily habits, such as balanced meals and regular movement.
For both safety and lasting progress, pick a provider that screens you properly before prescribing and keeps following up once treatment starts.
Should you choose Zepbound or Wegovy?
Pick Zepbound if you want the highest weight loss potential and can get access to it, since it has the clinical edge. Pick Wegovy (semaglutide) if you value a longer track record, wider compounded availability and slightly lower compounded prices.
Many telehealth providers prescribe both. The matching quiz can point you to one, or you can compare providers yourself.
What are the doses for Zepbound and Wegovy?
Both are injected once a week. Wegovy steps up from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg over roughly 16 weeks. Zepbound begins at 2.5 mg and can be raised as high as 15 mg, which gives providers more room to fine-tune treatment. To know what the first weeks feel like on either drug, read our first month guide.
Is there a cheaper version of Zepbound or Wegovy?
Yes. Licensed telehealth providers offer compounded semaglutide (Wegovy's ingredient) and compounded tirzepatide (Zepbound's ingredient) for a fraction of brand prices:Our compounded vs brand-name guide covers quality and safety.
Can you get Zepbound or Wegovy prescribed online?
Yes. Licensed telehealth providers prescribe both with no in-person visit required. Compare semaglutide providers or tirzepatide providers, or follow our step-by-step guide to getting GLP-1 medication online.