Zepbound vs Wegovy: Key Differences Explained

Wegovy vs Zepbound

Both Wegovy and Zepbound are prescription medications that contain similar ingredients and are administered through subcutaneous injection. They are designed to help you lose weight, but when doing a comparison between Zepbound vs Wegovy, the main difference between the two is the degree to which they influence your metabolism.

When you eat, your body releases hormones that help keep your digestive process working properly and help to balance your blood sugar levels. One hormone is GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and is responsible for many important functions, such as helping to slow down digestion, sending signals to the brain to let you know you are full, and helping control the release of insulin.

Both medications copy your GLP-1 hormone, but a big difference between Wegovy and Zepbound is that Zepbound also copies another one of your natural digestive hormones called GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). GIP works similarly to GLP-1 and helps streamline your metabolism so your body can more easily break down fat and convert it to energy instead of storing it up in the form of excess weight gain.

Do Wegovy And Zepbound Have Any Potential Side Effects?

Like any type of medication, patients may experience side effects.

The Wegovy vs. Zepbound side effects are very similar, and most patients who start one of these medications experience these common side effects until their body becomes accustomed to the medication.

• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Constipation;
• Diarrhea;
• Tirzepatide sometimes causes extra low blood sugar levels.

Is Zepbound Or Wegovy Suitable For Everyone?

No, these medications will not be the right medical intervention for everyone. They are not recommended for people who:

• Are pregnant or nursing;
• Have a family or personal history of MTC (medullary thyroid cancer) or MEN2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2);
• Have conditions related to their kidneys or pancreas;
• Suffer from chronic gastrointestinal problems;
• Have allergies to any of the ingredients contained in the medication.

Wegovy vs Zepbound Weight Loss Potential

When used together with a low-calorie diet and permanent lifestyle changes that promote a healthy weight, both Wegovy and Zepbound can help patients lose a significant amount of weight. We often get the question, “Does Zepbound work better than Wegovy?” and it really depends on the person.

For some people, the combination of the two hormones supplied by Zepbound creates chronic side effects that disrupt the patient’s daily life, so Wegovy may be a better option for them. Others may need the additional hormone to achieve sustainable weight loss. Studies have reported that:

• Individuals using Wegovy typically lose between 10% and 16% of their total body weight;
• Individuals using Zepbound typically lose between 15% and 21% of their total body weight.

The best way to find out which medication would work best for you is to work with an expert in medical weight loss like Dr. Okeefe Simmons at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions. Your medical history and specific circumstances will be evaluated to determine if one of these medications would be a good fit for you.

What Is The Difference Between Wegovy And Zepbound Administration?

The medications are administered exactly the same through an injection that is done once a week. They both have a titration schedule, which introduces the medication into your body gradually to help your body get used to the medication while keeping the side effects to a minimum. Usually, patients will take each dose once a week for a month, and then the dose will be increased. Once the administered dose begins to promote weight loss, your doctor may keep you on that dose until it becomes necessary to increase it further.

The maximum dose for Zepbound is higher than for Wegovy, so it takes around six months to reach the maximum dosage, but it normally only takes about five months to reach the highest dose of Wegovy.

Everyone is different, and often, it will not be necessary to reach the strongest dose to lose weight, so the time it will take to reach the maximum dose will vary by person. The dose is gradually escalated until you begin to lose weight, and your doctor may choose to leave you on a specific dose until your weight loss progress slows down or plateaus.

What Is The Difference Between Zepbound vs Wegovy Cost?

The difference in cost between Zepbound vs Wegovy can vary for each person depending on their location, the pharmacy, and any savings programs offered by the manufacturer or coupons that may be applied at the time.

The market cost of either medication can change based on availability and also the strength of the dose, but currently, the average cost for a one-month supply (four weekly doses) at a major pharmacy in Miami is:

• Tirzepatide starts at about $1,100 per month;
• Semaglutide starts at about $1,350 per month.

How Do I Know Which Is Better: Zepbound Or Wegovy?

The best way to choose the best medication for you is to work with a qualified weight loss specialist like Dr. Okeefe Simmons at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions. Dr. Simmons will review your medical history, your goals, and the challenges you have had in the past with losing or maintaining a healthy weight. He and his team will create a customized plan that fits your circumstances so you will be successful in reaching a sustainable weight loss.

You may wonder, “Can I switch from Wegovy to Zepbound?” The answer is yes, under the supervision of Dr. Simmons, it is safe to transition from one medication to the other. Zepbound may be the best choice for someone who is not losing the amount of weight they expected because it mimics two hormones, including the GIP hormone, and some people may have better success with Wegovy because it may lessen the possible side effects.