Both Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are injectable medications for weight loss. Mostly, both of them work on the same principle of weight management related to hunger, diet, and cravings.
Although their goals are the same they work differently in the body.
As per the current research, it is found that people using zepbound have lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight over 72 weeks. On the other hand, people using Wegovy have reduced 14.9% of weight loss during the same period.
If you want faster weight loss then switch to Zepbound from Wegovy. But if you are a heart patient then go for Wegovy. It is best for heart health and has no such side effects. However, Wegovy is quite effective for general obesity management and can be preferred by patients without any significant health issues. Always consult a health expert for the best advice.
You can make manufacturer copay cards to make Zepbound and Wegovy more affordable.
Currently, Zepbound has been approved to be used only by adults, whereas Wegovy is approved for individuals aged 12 and older.
The FDA has highlighted the importance of this approval, stating it represents a major step for patients facing obstructive sleep apnea.
Zepbound promotes weight loss and has been known to reduce apnea events.
Both Zepbound and Wegovy lower your blood sugar level. This increases the risk of hyperglycemia ( if you use insulin or take medications like Glyburide).
How do Zepbound and Wegovy Work for Weight Loss?
Both Zepbound and Wegovy work mostly through similar but distinct mechanisms for weight loss. So, they can be used in different conditions as per the requirements of the patients.
Zepbound targets both GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1 ) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). The combination of these two increases insulin secretion and reduces appetite. This promotes greater weight loss along with improved metabolic rates.
Wegovy (semaglutide) mainly functions as a GLP 1 receptor. It reduces appetite. This receptor signals the pancreas to produce more insulin in response to food intake. It is quite effective, but the GIP action, as compared to Zepbound, is absent.
The Dosage Schedule of Zepbound and Wegovy
Both Zepbound and Wegovy have different dosage schedules. It is very important to note them down while choosing between the two.
Wegovy initial dose starts at 0.25 mg once a week for 4 weeks.
0.5 mg of increase every 5 to 8 weeks up to 1.7mg until the 17th week. You need to maintain 2.4 mg, the maximum dose, from the 18th week onwards.
Whereas Zepbound’s initial dose starts at 2.5mg once a week for the first 4 weeks. After the initial period is over you can increase to 5mg. A maximum of 15mg can be made based on individual needs and responses.
Weight Loss Comparison Between Zepbound and Wegovy
Recent clinical trials have found Zepbound(tripeptide) to have significantly greater weight loss compared to Wegovy ( semaglutide).
People using Zepbound have lost an average of 20.2% of their body weight in 72 weeks, as per Eli Lily’s findings.
In contrast, those using Wegovy have lost up to 13.7% of body weight. This represents a 47% greater weight loss for Zepbound as compared to Wegovy.
As per recent studies, Zepbound provides superior weight loss results as compared to Wegovy. However, further studies will clarify the long-term effects of both medications.
Wegovy – A Better Option for Heart Patients
The studies say Wegovy is a better option for individuals with heart diseases. Wegovy can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 20% in adults. Overweight and obese heart patients can use Wegovy over Zepbound.
FDA approves Wegovy to be the first weight loss medication for people suffering from cardiovascular disease.
Along with these benefits, Wegovy also improves blood glucose levels, enhances blood flow, and reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
People suffering from any kind of health must consult a doctor before using any kind of medication.
Overall Zepbound seems to have superior weight loss results as compared to Wegovy as per the recent clinical trials. As both medications are used for managing obesity and health-related conditions, your choice should depend on specific health needs.
How Do the Costs of Zepbound and Wegovy Compare?
The cost difference between Zepbound and Wegovy varies significantly. It is found that Zepbound is more affordable than Wegovy.
Zepbound ranges from $1,060 to $1.472. It depends on the pharmacy and specific dosage. Many coupons are available using it; the price is reduced by around $907.
The cost of Wegovy is slightly higher, ranging between $1,349 and $1,840. Using coupons, the price can drop to approximately $1,194. But the cost of Wegovy remains slightly more expensive than Zepbound.
Both medications require prior authorization to be claimed under the Insurance policy.
Although some Medigap or Medicare Advantage plans provide the patients with total coverage in specific situations.
However, Zepbound offers comparatively cost-effective options as compared to Wegovy. The price difference may create increased competition in the market for weight loss drugs.
The Landscape of Weight-Management Medications is Rapidly Evolving
Numerous medications have emerged in the market for weight management. Significant advancements in both injectable and oral treatments have been made.
Zepbound has been known as a dual agonist targeting the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This injectable drug enhances appetite suppression and helps in metabolic regulation.
Recently health experts are carrying out research to identify whether it is safe to use Zepbound by adolescents.
Zepbound is found to have an average loss of around 17.8% as compared to bariatric surgery. It is injected on a weekly basis and is more effective for weight loss.
Wegovy, on the other hand, is a GLP-1 receptor that decreases appetite and increases feelings of fullness. According to the clinical trials, there is an average weight loss of about 12.4% over 56 weeks.
Very easy for the patients to get injected every week as compared to other alternatives.
Few oral medications have been reported so far, including Amycretin and triple agonists. However,
Amycretin is in the early stage trials by Novo Nordisk and triple agoniste is a future development medication plan.
As per the data, participants could lose up to 13% of body weight over 12 weeks. This could probably overshadow Wegovy in terms of rapid weight loss.
Amycretin also targets the GLP-1 receptor and stilted amylin receptor. As a result, the hunger is regulated.
However, in the field of weight management medications, both Zepbound and Wegovy have proven to be a more effective solution. The availability of medications like Amycretin is for patients who prefer pills over injections.
Health Benefits of Wegovy and Zepbound
Both Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) have several other health benefits besides weight loss.
These medications help in improving cardiovascular and metabolic health along with weight management.
Recent studies have found that Wegovy reduces the risk of heart failure. It also has a good significance on type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Wegovy has also been associated with a decrease in death from cardiovascular patients. Many clinical trials have proven the fact that along with weight loss, Wegovy has a very positive impact on heart health.
Zepbound mostly focuses on weight loss but acts great for the improvement of metabolic health. The action of GLP-1 and GIP receptors helps in the improvement of metabolic health.
The significant weight loss from Zepbound affects the overall health positively.
Zepbound vs Wegovy Side-effects
Almost every drug has some sides, and so do Wegovy and Zepbound.
Side effects of both Zepbound and Wegovy include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, and stomachache.
Zepbound injections may lead to hair fall and reaction at the site of injections.
Wegovy has some side effects, including headache, running nose, fatigue, and sore throat.
Some serious and concerning side effects include allergic reactions, breathing problems, swollen face, lips, throat, and tongue. These side effects are rare but serious. If you get any such effect, then you must seek medical health. However, the list of side effects is not limited. Different bodies can react differently to the medications. So, if you find any kind of changes, then you must visit a doctor.
If you are taking birth control pills while using Zepbound, then you must consult the doctor. According to the guidelines, you must not use any non-oral contraceptive method while taking Zepbound.
Summing up
Both Zepbound (tirzepatide)and Wegovy (semaglutide) have promising results in weight management.
If you have any kind of cardiovascular disease, then you must go to Wegovy. Whereas if you want a speedy weight loss then choose Zepbound. It is great for your metabolism health as well. You must consider a health expert before finalizing between the two. You need to be extra careful in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, and planning to take Zepbound or Wegovy. If you get any kind of side effects after using Zepbound or Wegovy must rush to the doctor immediately. Effective management is essential while taking any kind of medication.