Guide
GLP-1 Medications Guide
How semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) actually work, what the trials showed, what they cost, and how to find a provider.
How GLP-1 Medications Work
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your gut releases after eating. It signals the pancreas to produce insulin, tells your brain you're full, and slows how fast food leaves your stomach. GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic it — but stay active far longer than the natural version, which breaks down in minutes.
A weekly semaglutide shot keeps GLP-1 activity elevated for 7 days, which means less hunger and less food consumed without much conscious effort. Tirzepatide adds a second target — GIP receptors — which is why it tends to outperform semaglutide on weight loss in trials.
These aren't stimulants or fat burners. They reduce hunger. That's mostly it — but it turns out that's enough for a lot of people to finally maintain a caloric deficit consistently.
GLP-1 Medication Comparison
| Medication | Active Ingredient | FDA Approved For | Max Dose | Avg Weight Loss | Branded List Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Obesity (BMI ≥30) | Up to 2.4 mg/week | ~14.9% | $900–$1,400/mo |
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Type 2 Diabetes | Up to 2 mg/week | Secondary endpoint | $900–$1,000/mo |
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | Obesity (BMI ≥30) | Up to 15 mg/week | ~22.5% | $900–$1,100/mo |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Type 2 Diabetes | Up to 15 mg/week | Secondary endpoint | $1,000–$1,200/mo |
| Compounded Semaglutide | Semaglutide | Shortage-based (varies) | Clinic-determined | Same active ingredient | $150–$400/mo |
* Weight loss figures from pivotal clinical trials (STEP 1, SURMOUNT-1). Individual results vary. Prices are approximate list prices without insurance as of early 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GLP-1 receptor agonist?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your gut releases after eating. GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic it — suppressing appetite, slowing digestion, and helping regulate blood sugar. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide are now FDA-approved for weight management. In the STEP 1 trial (Wilding et al., NEJM 2021), weekly semaglutide produced an average loss of 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks.
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
Semaglutide (Ozempic for diabetes, Wegovy for obesity) targets one hormone receptor. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro for diabetes, Zepbound for obesity) targets two — GLP-1 and GIP. That dual mechanism is why tirzepatide tends to outperform: in the SURMOUNT-1 trial (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2022), the 15 mg dose produced 22.5% average weight loss versus roughly 15% for semaglutide. Both are prescription-only.
What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Same drug, different approvals. Ozempic (up to 2 mg/week) is approved for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy (up to 2.4 mg/week) is approved for weight management in people with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with a weight-related condition. Wegovy runs at a higher maintenance dose, which is why weight loss outcomes are better than what's seen with Ozempic in diabetes trials.
What is compounded semaglutide and is it legal?
Compounded semaglutide is pharmacy-prepared semaglutide, legal when the branded drugs are in an FDA-declared shortage. During the 2022–2024 Wegovy and Ozempic shortage, licensed 503A and 503B compounding pharmacies could legally produce it. The FDA declared that shortage resolved in 2025 and started enforcement against pharmacies that kept compounding without meeting specific exemptions. The legal picture is still shifting — ask your clinic directly before assuming compounded versions are available. When legal, they typically run $150–$350/month versus $900–$1,400 for branded.
How much do GLP-1 medications cost per month?
Without insurance: Wegovy lists at $900–$1,400/month, Zepbound around $1,060/month. Commercial insurance coverage is inconsistent — some plans cover it, many don't. Medicare started covering Wegovy in 2024, but only for cardiovascular risk reduction, not obesity alone. Compounded semaglutide from licensed pharmacies runs $150–$400/month when available. Manufacturer savings cards can cut branded costs significantly for eligible patients. Actual prices vary by clinic and dosage, so call ahead.
Who qualifies for GLP-1 weight loss treatment?
Wegovy and Zepbound are approved for adults with a BMI of 30+ (obesity) or 27+ (overweight) with at least one related condition like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. A licensed provider has to evaluate you before prescribing — there's no way around that. Most clinics listed on GLPFinders include a consultation as part of getting started.
What are the common side effects of GLP-1 medications?
Mostly GI stuff: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation. It's usually worst when starting or increasing the dose and tends to settle down. In the STEP 1 trial, 44% of semaglutide patients reported nausea vs. 16% on placebo. Rarer but more serious: pancreatitis. In rodent studies, thyroid C-cell tumors showed up, but that hasn't been seen in humans. These drugs are contraindicated if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.
Do I need a prescription for semaglutide or tirzepatide?
Yes, always. These are prescription drugs — no clinic can legally dispense them without one. You can get a prescription through telehealth or in-person. GLPFinders focuses on verified in-person providers, searchable by city and state.
Looking for a clinic near you?
Search verified in-person clinics by city or state. Free, no account needed.
Find Clinics Near Me →