Medically reviewed by Dr. Diala Alatassi, MD
Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are both FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Here is how they differ and how a Chicago telehealth visit can help you decide.
Wegovy and Zepbound are once-weekly injections approved for chronic weight management in adults who meet FDA-labeled criteria. They work through related but different pathways, and the right choice depends on your health history.
How they work
- Wegovy (semaglutide) activates the GLP-1 receptor, which may reduce appetite and slow stomach emptying.
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) activates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
What the trials showed
In STEP 1, adults on semaglutide 2.4 mg lost more weight on average than placebo over 68 weeks (NEJM 2021). In SURMOUNT-1, adults on tirzepatide lost more weight than placebo over 72 weeks (NEJM 2022). These were separate studies in different populations, so they should not be read as a head-to-head comparison. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
Approved uses and labeling
Both are labeled for adults with obesity, or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, alongside diet and activity. Zepbound labeling also includes moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, and Wegovy labeling includes reducing certain cardiovascular risks in select adults. Read the labels on Drugs@FDA: Wegovy and Zepbound.
Common side effects and safety
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort are common, mainly during dose changes. Both carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors, and neither is right for everyone. Your provider will review your history first.
Choosing with your provider
Your provider considers your health conditions, goals, past experiences, and coverage or cost. At TeleSlimClinic.com, video visits are led by a board-certified obesity medicine physician team. See our medications page for the options we offer. Compounded drugs are not part of our program.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take both?
No. They should not be combined.
Is one better?
It depends on the person. Your provider can discuss the tradeoffs.
Will I get a prescription?
Only when medically appropriate. Nothing is guaranteed.
Is my provider licensed in Illinois?
Check the IDFPR license lookup.
Sources
- Wegovy prescribing information, Drugs@FDA
- Zepbound prescribing information, Drugs@FDA
- STEP 1, N Engl J Med 2021
- SURMOUNT-1, N Engl J Med 2022
The visit fee is cash-pay. Book your free consultation to compare your options.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. It was medically reviewed by Dr. Diala Alatassi, MD, double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. Talk with a licensed provider about whether any weight-loss medication is right for you.