Zepbound appeals explainedWegovy appeals explainedOzempic appeals explainedMounjaro appeals explainedZepbound prior authorization denialsWegovy prior authorization denialsMounjaro prior authorization denialsOzempic prior authorization denialsWeight loss plan exclusions explainedStep therapy denials explainedPricingFAQZepbound and Ozempic are two popular medications which can help you lose weight. Not sure which one is best for you? Here are 5 key differences to help you decide:
Zepbound and Ozempic each rely on different active ingredients. Zepbound uses tirzepatide, while Ozempic uses semaglutide.
Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means it works on two different receptors in the body to help control blood sugar and promote weight loss. Theoretically, this additional mechanism can lead to better weight loss outcomes and improved blood sugar control.
By activating GLP-1 receptors, Zepbound slows down gastric emptying, which means food stays in the stomach longer, making you feel full sooner and for a longer period. This helps reduce your appetite. The activation of GIP receptors enhances insulin secretion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It helps to regulate appetite and food intake, making it easier for people to lose weight. Semaglutide is also found in another medication called Wegovy, which is used to help with weight loss.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1. Similar to Zepbound above, Ozempic slows down gastric emptying, which makes you feel full sooner and helps reduce your appetite.
When it comes to helping people lose weight, both Zepbound and Ozempic have shown promising results. Zepbound has been found to lead to more weight loss compared to Ozempic. In separate studies, Zepbound demonstrated greater weight loss than semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic. This has been supported by multiple analyses and head-to-head comparisons. However, Ozempic tends to have less intense side effects, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
It's important to note that both medications, when combined with healthy lifestyle interventions, are effective ways of losing weight. While Zepbound seems to have the edge in terms of losing weight, you may find Ozempic provides you with better quality of life due to its lower side effects. We recommend you learn about both options. It's always good to have more choices!
Zepbound and Ozempic both operate similarly in your body, so it's not surprising that they share a lot of the same side effects.
The most common side effects reported for both Zepbound and Ozempic include:
Because Zepbound also acts on an additional chemical pathway which affects insulin secretion, another reported side effect of Zepbound can be low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Both medications should be avoided if you have a personal history of pancreatitis, type 1 diabetes, diabetic retinopathy (a diabetes condition that affects eyesight), or a family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia.
Your healthcare provider will guide you on how to properly use these medications, ensuring you get the most benefit from your treatment.
When it comes to dosage and administration, Zepbound and Ozempic are fairly similar.
Zepbound also follows a weekly injection schedule but with different dosage increments. The typical schedule is:
Each dose increase requires a new prescription.
Both Zepbound and Ozempic can be injected into the following areas:
Without insurance, Zepbound and Ozempic have similar costs: both medicines usually cost between $1,000 to $1,100 per month before insurance.
We've helped patients obtain insurance coverage for both of these medications. Some of our customers have emailed us to say they now pay as little as a $25 monthly copay for their monthly supply.
Ozempic is FDA approved for treating Type 2 diabetes. Zepbound is FDA approved for weight loss, which may make it easier to qualify for, but your insurance's formulary may only support Ozempic. In general, it's good to at least consider both options.
Currently, the FDA has approved Zepbound for adults who have adopted in a reduced-calorie diet and undertaken increased exercise, who also have a body mass index (BMI) of:
Zepbound is currently not approved for use in children or adolescents. It also should not be used in adults with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Ozempic is approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, but doctors may prescribe it off-label for weight loss if your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher, or if your BMI is 27 or higher and you have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
In summary, while both Zepbound and Ozempic are effective in aiding weight loss, Zepbound tends to result in greater average weight loss compared to Ozempic. However, studies suggest that Ozempic produces less side effects, especially for people with sensitive stomachs. Both medications require a long-term commitment and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. It's essential to discuss with your doctor to determine which medication aligns best with your health needs and lifestyle.
Ozempic contains semaglutide, while Zepbound contains tirzepatide. Both medications mimic hormones that control hunger. Zepbound activates GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while Ozempic only activates GLP-1 receptors.
Studies suggest that Zepbound may lead to more weight loss compared to Ozempic. On average, people using Zepbound lost about 25% of their body weight in a year, while Ozempic users lost around 16%.
Both Zepbound and Ozempic are easy to use. Each medication requires that you inject yourself once a week. The only real difference is that Ozempic stays stable at room temperature for much longer (56 days for Ozempic vs. 21 days for Zepbound). Despite this, we recommend that you store both drugs in your fridge.
Switching between these medications is possible but should be done under a doctor's guidance to ensure it's safe and effective for you.
