Zepbound vs Wegovy Side Effects, Effectiveness, & More

GLP-1 medications and other medical weight loss methods have gained significant traction as more individuals seek effective ways to reduce excess body weight and improve overall health. Two weight loss drugs, Zepbound and Wegovy, have emerged as leading options.

But how do GLP-1 drugs for weight loss compare? In this article, we’ll explore Zepbound vs Wegovy side effects, as well as effectiveness and safety profile.

Key Takeaways

• Zepbound and Wegovy are both FDA-approved weight loss medications that work by regulating appetite and blood sugar levels.
• Side effects of these obesity medications include nausea, vomiting, and potential serious allergic reactions, which should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
• Effectiveness varies, with Zepbound showing more significant weight loss in some clinical trials than Wegovy.

What Is Zepbound?

Zepbound, developed by Eli Lilly, is a prescription medication used for treating obesity and weight-related medical problems in certain adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related comorbid condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea.

Zepbound is an injectable prescription medicine that is part of a newer generation of weight loss drugs that target multiple metabolic pathways to aid in long-term weight reduction.

How Zepbound Works

The active ingredient in Zepbound is tirzepatide, a dual-acting receptor agonist obesity medication that mimics two hormones:

• GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1): This hormone helps regulate appetite by signaling the brain to feel full, reducing food intake. It also slows digestion and improves blood sugar control.
• GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide): This hormone enhances insulin secretion in response to food, promoting better blood sugar regulation. Additionally, it has been shown to play a role in reducing excess body weight and fat mass.

By activating both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, Zepbound promotes decreased appetite, leading to significant weight loss. Studies indicate that this dual-hormone approach may provide more significant weight loss compared to medications that only target GLP-1 receptors, such as Wegovy.

Dr. Matthew Olesiak, MD, Chief Medical Director at SANE MD, explains:

“Zepbound’s ability to mimic two appetite-regulating hormones allows it to provide substantial weight loss results in many individuals struggling with obesity. However, like any prescription medication, it must be used under medical supervision to ensure safety.”

Who Can Take Zepbound?

Zepbound is indicated for compatible individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher (obesity)
• Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have a weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea
• People who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone and need additional support from medical weight loss treatments

However, Zepbound is not recommended for:

• Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
• People with a history of serious allergic reactions to tirzepatide or any of its components
• Patients with severe stomach problems, such as gastroparesis, as it may further slow digestion
• Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant (a pregnancy exposure registry is available to monitor safety in pregnant women)

How Effective Is Zepbound for Weight Loss?

The SURMOUNT clinical trials evaluated Zepbound and Wegovy for their effectiveness in weight loss. In the previously reported SURMOUNT trials, participants using Zepbound at the maximum tolerated dose lost up to 22.5% of their body weight, which is among the highest reductions observed with any obesity medication to date.

Comparing relative weight loss, Wegovy resulted in an average weight loss of around 15%, whereas Zepbound demonstrated more significant reductions. These results suggest that Zepbound provides exceptional weight loss for some individuals compared to Wegovy, particularly those with weight-related medical problems.

In addition to helping people lose weight, Zepbound also offers other health benefits, such as:

• Improving blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes
• Reducing high blood pressure associated with obesity
• Lowering the risk of obesity and heart failure
• Potentially reducing the need for weight loss procedures in some patients

Zepbound Side Effects and Safety Considerations

As with all GLP-1 medications, side effects are prevalent. Zepbound may cause commonly reported adverse events, which include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Severe stomach problems (such as bloating or discomfort)
• Low blood sugar (particularly in individuals taking other diabetes medicines)
• Serious allergic reactions, which may require immediate medical attention

Zepbound carries a warning about the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the importance of monitoring mood changes during treatment.

If a patient experiences symptoms of serious allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe itching, they should seek medical advice promptly.

How to Use Zepbound

Zepbound is administered via subcutaneous injection once a week. Patients typically start at a lower dose, with gradual increases to the maximum tolerated dose over time, as determined by their healthcare provider.

To achieve the best results, Zepbound should be used alongside a healthy lifestyle, including a calorie-controlled diet and regular physical activity. Consulting all your healthcare providers before starting Zepbound ensures safety, particularly for individuals taking birth control pills, as Zepbound may affect hormone absorption.

Zepbound vs Other Weight Loss Medications

So, should you choose Zepbound or Wegovy for weight loss? Well, while Zepbound and Wegovy are both effective weight loss drugs, Zepbound’s formulation includes glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which sets it apart from Wegovy and other obesity medications. If you’re explicitly comparing Ozempic vs Wegovy for weight loss, understanding their differences in FDA approval, dosage, and effectiveness can help determine which is best suited for your goals.” (Link “Ozempic vs Wegovy for weight loss” to your article.)

Key differences between Zepbound and other weight loss drugs:

• Zepbound activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, leading to more significant weight loss for some patients.
• Wegovy only activates GLP-1 receptors, making it a strong but slightly less effective option in terms of relative weight loss compared to Zepbound.
• Zepbound has shown more significant reductions in body weight, with some patients experiencing over 20% weight loss, while Wegovy users see an average weight loss closer to 15%.

Final Thoughts on Zepbound

As an injectable prescription medicine, Zepbound and Wegovy are two of the most beneficial medical weight loss options available today. Zepbound’s dual-hormone approach makes it a particularly valuable tool for treating obesity, especially for those with weight-related comorbid conditions.

Individuals considering Zepbound for weight loss should discuss its indication and safety summary with their healthcare provider to determine if it is the right prescription medicine for their needs.

What Is Wegovy?

Wegovy, developed by Novo Nordisk, is an injectable prescription medicine approved for treating obesity and weight-related medical problems in certain individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or greater who have at least one weight-related comorbid condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea.

One of the most well-established weight loss drugs, Wegovy, has helped many individuals lose weight by regulating appetite and metabolism. It is considered a leading medical weight loss option and is frequently prescribed by healthcare providers for individuals struggling with excess weight and related health concerns.

How Wegovy Works

The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, which belongs to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Unlike Zepbound, which works on both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors, Wegovy only targets GLP-1 receptors.

This mechanism of action helps individuals lose excess body weight in several ways:

• Appetite Regulation: Wegovy signals the brain to feel full, leading to decreased appetite and reduced calorie intake.
• Slower Digestion: It delays gastric emptying, which keeps individuals feeling full for longer.
• Blood Sugar Control: Wegovy helps regulate blood sugar by enhancing insulin secretion, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.

Dr. Matthew Olesiak, MD, Chief Medical Director at SANE MD, explains:

“Wegovy has been a game-changer in the field of medical weight loss. Its GLP-1 action helps individuals not only lose weight but also manage weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.”

Although Wegovy does not target GIP receptors like Zepbound, it remains a beneficial prescription medication for individuals who struggle with obesity and related health concerns.

How Effective Is Wegovy for Weight Loss?

Wegovy has been extensively studied in clinical trials, demonstrating strong results for long-term weight reduction. When comparing relative weight loss, participants in clinical studies using Wegovy experienced an average weight loss of around 15% of total body weight.

Compared to Zepbound, which has shown a weight loss of 22.5% in some trials, Wegovy remains a viable option, particularly for those who may not tolerate GIP receptor agonists.

In addition to its weight loss benefits, Wegovy has been linked to improvements in:

• Blood sugar regulation, making it useful for individuals looking to treat diabetes
• High blood pressure reduction, lowering risks of cardiovascular disease
• Management of obesity and heart failure in patients with weight-related comorbid conditions

Who Can Take Wegovy?

Wegovy is approved for use in:

• Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher
• Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher and at least one weight-related health condition, such as sleep apnea or high blood pressure
• People who have struggled to lose weight with diet and exercise alone and require additional support from medical weight loss interventions

However, Wegovy is not recommended for:

• Individuals with a history of medullary thyroid cancer
• Those who have experienced serious allergic reactions to semaglutide or similar drugs
• Individuals with severe stomach problems, including gastroparesis
• Pregnant women (a pregnancy exposure registry is available to monitor safety in pregnant women)

Patients should consult all their healthcare providers to determine whether Wegovy is appropriate for their weight loss goals.

Wegovy Side Effects and Safety Considerations

As with all obesity medications, Wegovy may cause commonly reported adverse events, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Low blood sugar, particularly in individuals taking other diabetes medicines
• Severe stomach problems, such as bloating or discomfort
• Serious allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing, swelling, or severe itching

Individuals who experience serious allergic reactions should seek medical advice promptly. Additionally, Wegovy may affect how birth control pills are absorbed, so women taking hormonal contraceptives should discuss alternative options with their healthcare provider.

How to Use Wegovy

Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Like Zepbound, it follows a gradual dose escalation to help the body adjust and minimize side effects. Patients typically begin with a lower dose and increase it over time until they reach the maximum tolerated dose.

For best results, Wegovy should be combined with a healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet and regular exercise. While it is effective as a standalone treatment, long-term success is more likely when paired with lifestyle modifications.

Individuals should also inform their healthcare provider about any over-the-counter drugs, other diabetes medicines, or pre-existing conditions before starting Wegovy.

How Wegovy Compares to Other Weight Loss Drugs

When comparing Zepbound and Wegovy, both drugs are considered highly effective, but there are some key differences:

• Wegovy activates only GLP-1 receptors, whereas Zepbound activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
• Wegovy results in an average weight loss of ~15%, while Zepbound has demonstrated more significant weight loss (~22.5%) in some studies.
• Zepbound may provide additional benefits for metabolic health due to its GIP action.
• Wegovy is more widely studied and has been used for a more extended period, making it a preferred choice for certain individuals.

Despite these differences, both drugs can be highly effective in helping people lose weight. The best option depends on individual needs, medical history, and tolerance to side effects.

Final Thoughts on Wegovy

As one of the most established weight loss medications, Wegovy has helped many individuals reduce excess body weight and improve their overall health. Its ability to regulate blood sugar, improve high blood pressure, and manage weight-related medical problems makes it a strong contender in the medical weight loss field.

Before starting Wegovy or any other anti-obesity medication, individuals should:

• Consult a healthcare provider to assess whether Wegovy is the right choice
• Discuss any pre-existing conditions or potential serious allergic reactions
• Consider lifestyle changes to maximize weight loss results

By following a healthy lifestyle and working with a healthcare provider, Wegovy users can achieve meaningful and sustainable weight loss over time.

Zepbound vs. Wegovy: Which One Is Better?

Many individuals wonder which weight loss drug is more effective, safer, and better suited to their specific needs when choosing between Zepbound and Wegovy. While both are injectable prescription medicines designed to treat obesity and weight-related medical problems, they have some important differences.

For instance, Zepbound is FDA-approved for use in adults aged 18 and older, whereas Wegovy is approved for individuals starting from age 12 and above.

Below, we break down how they compare in key areas, including relative weight loss outcomes, effectiveness, and suitability for different individuals.

Direct Feature Comparison

Feature	Zepbound	Wegovy
Manufacturer	Eli Lilly	Novo Nordisk
Active Ingredient	Tirzepatide	Semaglutide
Mechanism of Action	Targets GLP-1 and GIP receptors	Targets GLP-1 receptors only
FDA Approval	Approved for medical weight loss	Approved for medical weight loss
Administration	Weekly subcutaneous injection	Weekly subcutaneous injection
Average Weight Loss	Up to 22.5% of body weight	Around 15% of body weight
Effect on Blood Sugar	Improves blood sugar control	Helps regulate blood sugar
Impact on Appetite	Decreased appetite	Decreased appetite
Side Effects	Low blood sugar, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, serious allergic reactions	Low blood sugar, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, serious allergic reactions
Best for Individuals With	Weight-related comorbid conditions, severe obesity, metabolic syndrome	Obesity, weight-related comorbid conditions, type 2 diabetes

Both Zepbound and Wegovy are effective medical weight loss options, but their differences in action, relative weight loss compared, and potential side effects make them better suited for different individuals.

Relative Weight Loss Outcomes

When evaluating how much weight patients can expect to lose with either medication, clinical trials have shown notable differences in relative weight loss outcomes:

• Zepbound: Clinical studies of Zepbound indicate that compared to Wegovy, a higher percentage of patients may achieve at least 25% body weight loss. Participants lost up to 22.5% of their total body weight in previously reported SURMOUNT trials, making it the most effective weight loss medication currently available.
• Wegovy: Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of around 15% of total body weight, which is still highly effective but slightly lower than Zepbound’s results.

These results suggest that Zepbound provides more significant weight loss for many patients, particularly those with severe obesity or those who have struggled with other anti-obesity medications in the past.

Which Drug Is Better for Specific Individuals?

Choosing between Zepbound and Wegovy depends on several factors, including medical history, weight-related comorbid conditions, and individual tolerance to medications.

Zepbound May Be Better For:

• Compatible individuals with severe obesity (BMI over 35) who need superior weight loss
• People who have struggled to lose weight with other weight loss medications
• Patients with metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance, as tirzepatide decreases calorie intake more effectively
• Those who need greater improvements in blood sugar control

Wegovy May Be Better For:

• Individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes, as semaglutide has a proven track record in treating diabetes effectively

• Patients who prefer a more established medication with a longer track record of safety
• Those with a history of heart disease, as Wegovy has been studied extensively for its cardiovascular benefits
• Individuals who may not tolerate GIP receptor activation (some people respond better to GLP-1 only)

Individuals Who Should Consult a Healthcare Provider Before Taking Either Drug:

• Those with a history of serious allergic reactions to any GLP-1 receptor agonist obesity medication
• Individuals with severe stomach problems such as gastroparesis
• Women taking birth control pills, as both drugs may affect hormone absorption
• People with a history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Ultimately, both Zepbound and Wegovy can be highly effective for medical weight loss, but a healthcare provider should help determine the best choice based on the patient’s medical background and weight loss goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

With both Zepbound and Wegovy gaining popularity as effective weight loss medications, many people have questions about their safety, side effects, and tolerability.

Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions to help individuals make informed decisions about these weight loss drugs.

1. What is safer, Wegovy or Zepbound?

Both Wegovy and Zepbound are FDA-approved prescription medications that have been extensively studied in clinical trials for safety and effectiveness. Neither drug is inherently safer, but the best option depends on an individual’s medical history, pre-existing conditions, and tolerance to side effects.

• Wegovy has been available longer and has an established safety profile, making it a preferred choice for those with a history of heart disease or who are already familiar with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
• Zepbound, which activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, is newer but has shown more significant weight loss in some studies. However, its long-term safety profile is still being evaluated compared to Wegovy.
• Zepbound has been associated with thyroid tumors in rats, although it is not yet known if this risk extends to humans.

Individuals with severe stomach problems, serious allergic reactions to weight loss drugs, or a history of medullary thyroid cancer should consult their healthcare provider before taking either medication.

2. Which causes less nausea, Wegovy or Zepbound?

Both Zepbound and Wegovy can cause nausea, but studies suggest Zepbound may be slightly better tolerated in some individuals.

• In previously reported SURMOUNT trials, Zepbound’s dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors resulted in less gastrointestinal discomfort compared to other GLP-1 receptor agonists. This means some people experience less nausea with Zepbound than with Wegovy.
• Wegovy, like other GLP-1-based weight loss drugs, can cause significant nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort, particularly when starting treatment or increasing the dosage.

However, individual responses vary, and both medications require gradual dose adjustments to minimize severe stomach problems. Consulting a healthcare provider can help determine the best approach for managing side effects.

3. What percentage of people have side effects from Zepbound?

Like all obesity medications, Zepbound has side effects, but not everyone experiences them. Common side effects of Zepbound encompass nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. In clinical trials, the most commonly reported adverse events included:

• Nausea (up to 30%)
• Diarrhea (up to 20%)
• Vomiting (around 10-15%)
• Low blood sugar (higher risk in those using other diabetes medicines)
• Serious allergic reactions (rare but possible)

Most side effects occur early in treatment and improve over time as the body adjusts. Those experiencing persistent or severe symptoms should seek medical advice promptly.

4. Which has fewer side effects, Zepbound or Ozempic?

Both Zepbound and Ozempic are GLP-1 receptor agonists, but Zepbound also activates GIP receptors, which may influence side effect profiles.

• Zepbound may cause fewer gastrointestinal issues than Ozempic, as GIP receptor activation has been shown to reduce nausea in some patients.
• Ozempic, like Wegovy, is primarily a GLP-1 agonist, which can lead to more pronounced nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in some individuals.

However, the side effects vary per person. Those who have experienced severe stomach problems with Ozempic may find Zepbound easier to tolerate.

5. Are Zepbound side effects less than Wegovy?

It depends on the individual, but some studies suggest Zepbound may have fewer gastrointestinal side effects than Wegovy.

• Zepbound’s unique dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors may reduce nausea and vomiting in certain individuals compared to Wegovy.
• Wegovy is known for causing significant nausea, particularly in the first few months of treatment.

However, both medications share common side effects like low blood sugar, serious allergic reactions, and severe stomach problems. Patients should work closely with their healthcare provider to find the medication that best suits their needs.

Final Thoughts on Zepbound vs. Wegovy Side Effects & Effectiveness

Both Zepbound and Wegovy are highly effective weight loss drugs, but their side effect profiles vary from person to person. While Zepbound may cause less nausea than Wegovy, both medications have potential risks that should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

For those considering medical weight loss, it’s essential to weigh the health benefits of these medications against potential side effects and choose the option that aligns with their health goals.