Independent, evidence-based comparisons
Compare GLP-1
medications, side by side.
Eleven FDA-approved drugs, head-to-head on efficacy, cost, side effects, and dosing — with every figure traced back to FDA labels and pivotal trials.
New to GLP-1? Start with our complete guideOzempic
semaglutide
14.9%
body weight loss
Wegovy
semaglutide
16.9%
body weight loss
Mounjaro
tirzepatide
22.5%
body weight loss
Zepbound
tirzepatide
22.5%
body weight loss
Head-to-head efficacy
Weight loss across every
FDA-approved GLP-1.
Percent body-weight loss at each drug’s pivotal trial primary endpoint. Treatment naive patients, placebo-adjusted where reported.
Mounjaro
tirzepatide
22.5%
Zepbound
tirzepatide
22.5%
Wegovy
semaglutide
16.9%
Ozempic
semaglutide
14.9%
Foundayo
orforglipron
12.4%
Saxenda
liraglutide
8%
Rybelsus
semaglutide
4.4%
Victoza
liraglutide
3.2%
Trulicity
dulaglutide
3.1%
Byetta
exenatide
2.8%
Bydureon BCise
exenatide extended-release
2.3%
Sources: SURMOUNT-1 (NEJM 2022), STEP-1 (NEJM 2021), SUSTAIN-7, AWARD-11, SCALE, and FDA prescribing information.
See the full comparison matrixWhat are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs that mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, a gut hormone released after meals. They lower blood sugar, suppress appetite, and slow gastric emptying. As of April 2026, eleven are FDA-approved in the United States — treating type 2 diabetes, chronic obesity, cardiovascular risk, obstructive sleep apnea, or some combination. In clinical trials the most potent option (tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound) produced 22.5% body-weight loss over 72 weeks. The highest-potency GLP-1-only drug (semaglutide 2.4 mg, sold as Wegovy) produced 16.9%.
11
FDA-approved drugs
22.5%
Max weight loss (Zepbound, SURMOUNT-1)
20%
CV risk reduction (Wegovy, SELECT)
2005
First GLP-1 approved (Byetta)
Know what you’re actually taking
Same molecule. Different brand. Different FDA use.
Five of the eleven approved GLP-1s are rebrands of just two molecules. The active ingredient is identical — the brand name reflects which indication the FDA approved it for.
Popular comparisons
The comparisons people
search the most.
Dual GIP/GLP-1 vs GLP-1 only
Body-weight loss in pivotal trials
The weight-loss head-to-head
Body-weight loss in pivotal trials
Weekly GLP-1 for diabetes
Body-weight loss in pivotal trials
Same molecule, different FDA use
Tirzepatide, twice over
Active-ingredient comparison
All medications
Access a range of GLP-1 medications.
Ozempic
semaglutide
Novo Nordisk
14.9% weight loss
Wegovy
semaglutide
Novo Nordisk
16.9% weight loss
Mounjaro
tirzepatide
Eli Lilly
22.5% weight loss
Zepbound
tirzepatide
Eli Lilly
22.5% weight loss
Rybelsus
semaglutide
Novo Nordisk
4.4% weight loss
Trulicity
dulaglutide
Eli Lilly
3.1% weight loss
Saxenda
liraglutide
Novo Nordisk
8% weight loss
Victoza
liraglutide
Novo Nordisk
3.2% weight loss
Byetta
exenatide
AstraZeneca
2.8% weight loss
Bydureon BCise
exenatide extended-release
AstraZeneca
2.3% weight loss
Foundayo
orforglipron
Eli Lilly and Company
12.4% weight loss
Every comparison includes
Data you can actually trust.
Clinical efficacy
Weight loss percentages and A1C reduction from published trials like STEP, SURMOUNT, and SUSTAIN.
Side effects
Frequency rates with severity scoring from FDA prescribing information.
Cost breakdown
List price, insurance ranges, and manufacturer savings card details.
Dosing schedules
Starting dose, titration, maintenance, max dose, frequency, and route.
FDA approval
Approved indications, approval dates, label changes, and boxed warnings.
Editorial verdicts
Clear, cautious summaries of what the data shows for different use cases.
Sources: FDA prescribing information, NEJM, JAMA, Lancet, Diabetes Care
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Browse all comparisonsThis content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions. See our full medical disclaimer.