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) | Maker | Approved for | Form | Trial weight loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy semaglutide | Novo Nordisk | Weight management (2021) | Injection · weekly | 14.9% STEP-1 |
| Zepbound tirzepatide | Eli Lilly | Weight management (2023) | Injection · weekly | 20.9% SURMOUNT-1 |
| Ozempic semaglutide | Novo Nordisk | Type 2 diabetes (2017) | Injection · weekly | 6.5% SUSTAIN-6 |
| Mounjaro tirzepatide | Eli Lilly | Type 2 diabetes (2022) | Injection · weekly | 11% SURPASS-2 |
| Saxenda liraglutide | Novo Nordisk | Weight management (2014) | Injection · daily | 8% SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes |
| Orforglipron orforglipron | Eli Lilly | In FDA review | Oral tablet · daily | 12.4% ATTAIN-1 |
| Compounded semaglutide semaglutide | 503A pharmacies | Not FDA-approved (compounded) | Injection · weekly | 14.9% STEP-1 |
| Compounded tirzepatide tirzepatide | 503A pharmacies | Not FDA-approved (compounded) | Injection · weekly | 20.9% SURMOUNT-1 |
For the all-in monthly cost by telehealth program (medication plus membership plus visit fees), see the chart.
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 25 telehealth programs against the same five criteria 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. 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. the cheapest cash-pay 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
References
- STEP-1 registration trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2021.
- SURMOUNT-1 registration trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2022.
- SUSTAIN-6 registration trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2016.
- SURPASS-2 registration trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2021.
- SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes registration trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2015.
- 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 May 25. Talk to a licensed clinician about which medication is appropriate for you.
Why you can trust GLP ChartSame scoring framework applied to every program. No paid placements. No removal of unfavorable information at advertiser request. Pricing is pulled from each program's public-facing page weekly.