The quick answerBoth are FDA-approved for weight loss, but they are different drugs: Zepbound (tirzepatide) targets two hormone receptors and produced up to 22.5% average weight loss in trials versus ~15% for Wegovy (semaglutide). At verified prices, brand Zepbound runs $1,249/month at altRx (pens from $299 first month at ro); compounded routes start at $49-$99/month.
Both FDA-Approved for Weight Loss
Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are the only two GLP-1-based medications with specific FDA approval for chronic weight management. This sets them apart from Ozempic and Mounjaro, which are approved for diabetes but widely used off-label for weight loss. Having FDA approval for weight loss means these drugs went through rigorous clinical trials specifically measuring their effectiveness for weight management.
Our top 2 picks
Our two recommended GLP-1 providers, shown with the same verified pricing and ratings as our full comparison.
1
Excellent
9.6out of 10
Limited Offer - GLP-1 for $69/mon
Money-back guaranteeFree expedited delivery
Treatments offered
Compounded semaglutide injections (GLP-1) · Compounded tirzepatide injections (GLP-1 + GIP) · 100% online doctor review and prescription · Dosage adjustments through the patient portal
Starting price
$79$69/month
*Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
- Compounded semaglutide ($69/mo) and tirzepatide ($119/mo)
- 5-minute health qualifier; doctor review usually within 24 hrs
- Free 1-2 day shipping - temperature-controlled, tracked, insured
- No insurance required, no clinic visits, cancel anytime
Pricing starts at
from $69/month
embody offers doctor-prescribed GLP-1 weight loss treatment - compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide injections - through a 100% online process. Getting started takes a roughly 5-minute health qualifier, after which a medical practitioner reviews your chart (embody says usually within 24 hours, often under 5). Pricing is flat and simple: $69/month for semaglutide and $119/month for tirzepatide, with no insurance required, no hidden fees, and no clinic visits. Medication ships in 1-2 days in temperature-controlled, tracked, insured packaging, and embody is LegitScript-certified and works with US-based 503A compounding pharmacies. On Trustpilot, embody averages 3.8 across 8,398 reviews - an honest, mixed-to-positive record whose recent reviews cluster around two themes: responsive, proactive customer service ('from my very first inquiry I've had excellent communication... customer service updated me every step,' writes one tirzepatide patient) and the no-surprises pricing ('Love the fact that there are no surprises as in costly up front cost'). A 3.7 also means a minority of customers had negative experiences - worth reading both ends of the reviews before deciding, as with any provider.
Read full embody review2
Exceptional
9.7out of 10
Most Comprehensive GLP-1 Medication Access
Transparent pricingNo insurance required
Treatments offered
Compounded semaglutide (GLP-1) injection · Compounded tirzepatide (GLP-1 + GIP) injection · Brand-name Zepbound and Wegovy · One simple injection per week
Starting price
$199$89/month
*Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
- Compounded GLP-1 from $89/mo, GLP-1 + GIP from $149/mo
- Brand-name options too: Zepbound and Wegovy
- Clinician-guided - physician, PA, or nurse practitioner
- Free shipping (about 5-7 days)
Pricing starts at
from $89/month
altRx bills itself as "the #1 most affordable GLP-1 program," and its published prices largely back that up: compounded GLP-1 (semaglutide) from $89/month and GLP-1 + GIP (tirzepatide) from $149/month - flat at every dose, so the price doesn't climb as you titrate up - alongside one of the few genuine brand-name shelves in this space (Ozempic $1,149, Zepbound $1,249, Wegovy $1,579 per month). It's a self-pay telehealth service: you complete a short assessment, a licensed provider (physician, PA, or nurse practitioner) reviews it, and if appropriate a prescription goes to a licensed US pharmacy, with free shipping in about 5-7 days. No insurance is required, Buy Now, Pay Later is available, and you can pause or cancel anytime. Two things to know before the details: shipping is slower than the 1-2 day providers (embody, DirectMeds), and Trustpilot does not currently display an aggregate score on altRx's profile - the individual reviews we quote on this page are real, but there's no independent average to lean on the way there is for rivals like Medvi (4.3 across 14,836) or embody (3.8 across 8,398). One of the real 4-star reviews we surface notes a refill 'yet to be fulfilled with zero reason as to why' - worth factoring in alongside the price advantage.
Read full altRx reviewHow They Work Differently
Wegovy targets one receptor: GLP-1. Zepbound targets two: GLP-1 and GIP.
This dual-agonist approach gives Zepbound a broader metabolic effect. For a deeper explanation, see our article on how GLP-1 medications work and our tirzepatide vs semaglutide comparison.
Clinical Trial Results
Wegovy (STEP trials): ~15% average weight loss over 68 weeks. Zepbound (SURMOUNT trials): up to 22.5% average weight loss over 72 weeks. While these come from different trials and direct comparison requires caution, the trend is consistent - tirzepatide-based medications produce greater average weight loss in clinical research.
Cost and Insurance
Both are expensive at retail - Wegovy at $1,300-$1,400/month and Zepbound at $1,000-$1,100/month. Insurance coverage is limited for both.
Compounded alternatives through telehealth providers offer significant savings: compounded semaglutide from ~$200/month and compounded tirzepatide from ~$350/month. See our cost guide for details. Compare affordable options.
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What To Know Before Starting GLP-1 Treatment
Before starting GLP-1 treatment, it's important to understand a few key things. These medications require a prescription from a licensed clinician and aren't suitable for everyone. Some people may experience side effects, especially during the first few weeks as the body adjusts.
GLP-1s also tend to work best when combined with basic lifestyle habits like balanced nutrition and regular physical activity.
That's why choosing a provider that offers proper medical screening and ongoing follow-up support is essential for both safety and long-term success.
Which Is Right for You?
If you want the maximum weight loss potential and can access it, Zepbound has a clinical edge. If you prefer a longer track record, broader compounded availability, and slightly lower compounded pricing, Wegovy/semaglutide is the more established path. Many telehealth providers offer both - take our quiz to find the best match, or compare providers directly.
Dosing Schedule Compared
Wegovy titrates from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg over about 16 weeks. Zepbound starts at 2.5 mg and can go up to 15 mg.
Both are once-weekly injections. Zepbound's wider dose range gives providers more room to optimize treatment.
For details on what starting either medication feels like, see our first month guide.
Compounded Alternatives
Both Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) have compounded versions available through telehealth providers at significantly lower prices. Compounded semaglutide starts at ~$199/month, compounded tirzepatide at ~$349/month. Read our compounded vs brand-name guide for details on quality and safety.
How to Access Either Medication Online
Both are available through licensed telehealth providers without in-person visits. Compare semaglutide providers or tirzepatide providers. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide to getting GLP-1 medications online.