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Every GLP-1 weight-loss drug, compared.

The branded GLP-1s, the investigational oral one, and the compounded versions, in a single table. Approval, form, dose, registration-trial weight loss and 2026 cost. We rank the programs that prescribe these drugs, and we take no paid placements. This is the comparison without a clinic to sell you.

The GLP-1 drugs at a glance

Weight-loss figures are mean results at the maximum dose in each drug's registration trial. They are not from the same study, so treat cross-drug differences as directional, not exact. The compounded rows use the parent molecule's trial.

Drug (active)MakerApproved forFormTrial weight loss
Wegovy
semaglutide		Novo NordiskWeight management (2021)Injection · weekly14.9%
STEP-1
Zepbound
tirzepatide		Eli LillyWeight management (2023)Injection · weekly20.9%
SURMOUNT-1
Ozempic
semaglutide		Novo NordiskType 2 diabetes (2017)Injection · weekly5%
SUSTAIN-6
Mounjaro
tirzepatide		Eli LillyType 2 diabetes (2022)Injection · weekly13.1%
SURPASS-2
Saxenda
liraglutide		Novo NordiskWeight management (2014)Injection · daily8%
SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes
Orforglipron
orforglipron		Eli LillyWeight management (2026)Oral tablet · daily12.4%
ATTAIN-1
Compounded semaglutide
semaglutide		503A pharmaciesNot FDA-approved (compounded)Injection · weekly14.9%
STEP-1
Compounded tirzepatide
tirzepatide		503A pharmaciesNot FDA-approved (compounded)Injection · weekly20.9%
SURMOUNT-1

For the all-in monthly cost by telehealth program (medication plus membership plus visit fees), see the chart. Programs that prescribe compounded semaglutide or compounded tirzepatide are grouped by molecule in our compounded medications index.

How to choose

Match your top priority to a starting point. Each card links to the full detail.

If you want the most weight loss
Tirzepatide (Zepbound, or Mounjaro for diabetes)
Leads the registration-trial data. Semaglutide is close behind and far more widely covered.
Zepbound profile →
If you want to avoid injections
Oral orforglipron (pending FDA review)
The one to watch. Until it launches, the only oral semaglutide options are diabetes-indicated.
Orforglipron profile →
If insurance is the deciding factor
Prior auth on Wegovy or Zepbound
Coverage is broadest for the diabetes indication and older drugs like Saxenda.
Prior authorization letters →
If you are paying cash
Compounded semaglutide (or manufacturer-direct)
The lowest cash path. The all-in program cost is what actually matters.
Cheapest cash-pay programs →
If supply continuity matters
Branded Zepbound or compounded semaglutide
Compounded tirzepatide carries the most enforcement and supply-gap risk in 2026.
Zepbound profile →
Why this comparison is different.

Most drug-class pages funnel you to the publisher's own clinic or coupon. We do not run a clinic. We rank every telehealth program against the same five criteria, check prices every Monday, and publish what we find, ranks set before we contact any program. The drug is only half the decision. The program you buy it through sets the price you actually pay.

GLP-1 drug FAQ

Which GLP-1 causes the most weight loss?
In registration trials, tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) leads at about 21% mean weight loss in SURMOUNT-1, versus about 15% for semaglutide (Wegovy) in STEP-1. The one head-to-head trial, SURMOUNT-5, favored tirzepatide on every dose comparison. Wegovy vs Zepbound, side by side
Which GLP-1 is cheapest?
The lowest cash path is usually compounded semaglutide through a telehealth program, starting around $149/mo. Compounded tirzepatide runs $100 to $150 more per month at most programs, with Mochi Health's flat-rate model as the main exception. Among branded drugs, the manufacturer direct-to-consumer channels (NovoCare, LillyDirect) beat the retail pharmacy price. What you actually pay is the all-in monthly cost: medication plus membership plus visit fees. cheapest compounded tirzepatide programs
Do you need diabetes to be prescribed one?
No, not for the drugs approved for weight loss. Wegovy, Zepbound and Saxenda are approved for chronic weight management on their own. Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved for type 2 diabetes and are sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss, which insurance rarely covers. diabetes vs weight-loss rules
Can you switch between GLP-1 drugs?
Yes, under a prescriber. People switch for cost, side effects, supply or to step up to a more effective molecule. The titration usually restarts at a low dose to limit nausea. how to switch without losing continuity
What happens if you stop?
GLP-1s work while you take them. Appetite returns and weight regain is common after stopping, especially without a maintenance plan. Some people taper to a lower maintenance dose under medical guidance. the stay-on-it-forever question
Are compounded versions safe and legal?
Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are the same active molecules prepared by a 503A pharmacy under prescription. They are legal to compound for an individual prescription but are not FDA-approved as drug products, so quality depends on the pharmacy. Tirzepatide carries the most active regulatory exposure in 2026. compounded vs FDA-approved

Full drug profiles

Wegovy (semaglutide)
The first GLP-1 FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management; semaglutide's branded form for obesity.
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Eli Lilly's dual GLP-1/GIP agonist branded for weight loss; the most-effective branded GLP-1 in head-to-head trial data.
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Novo Nordisk's diabetes-indicated semaglutide; identical molecule to Wegovy at lower maximum dose, frequently prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Eli Lilly's diabetes-indicated tirzepatide; identical molecule to Zepbound, less frequently used off-label for weight loss now that Zepbound is available.
Saxenda (liraglutide)
The original FDA-approved GLP-1 for weight loss, daily injection, less effective than semaglutide and tirzepatide but with broader insurance coverage and a pediatric indication.
Orforglipron (orforglipron)
Eli Lilly's oral GLP-1, branded Foundayo. The first FDA-approved oral non-peptide GLP-1 (approved April 2026).
Compounded semaglutide (semaglutide)
The same active molecule as Wegovy and Ozempic, prepared by 503A pharmacies under prescription. Cheaper than branded; not FDA-approved as a drug product.
Compounded tirzepatide (tirzepatide)
The same active molecule as Zepbound and Mounjaro, prepared by 503A pharmacies under prescription. Cheapest path to tirzepatide. Highest active regulatory exposure of any GLP-1 in 2026.

References

  1. STEP-1 registration trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2021.
  2. SURMOUNT-1 registration trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2022.
  3. SUSTAIN-6 registration trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2016.
  4. SURPASS-2 registration trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2021.
  5. SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes registration trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2015.
  6. ATTAIN-1 registration trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2025.

Editorial disclosure

GLP Chart is an editorial comparison site. We do not dispense, prescribe or fulfill medications. Trial figures are from the cited registration trials. Pricing reflects publicly verified rates as of June 29. Talk to a licensed clinician about which medication is appropriate for you.

John Samaras, editor of GLP Chart
John Samaras, Founder and EditorI started GLP Chart after overpaying for a GLP-1 myself. Based in Austin, Texas.
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Why you can trust GLP ChartSame scoring framework applied to every program. No paid placements. We never remove unfavorable information at an advertiser's request. Pricing is pulled from each program's public-facing page every Monday.