- Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide. Zepbound contains tirzepatide.
- Wegovy and Zepbound are approved for weight loss. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes.
- In trials, Zepbound led to more average weight loss than Wegovy.
- The best choice depends on your health, insurance and how you feel on the medicine.
Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound are often talked about as if they are the same. They are related, but they are not identical. Knowing the difference helps you ask the right questions.
The short answer
| Ozempic | Wegovy | Zepbound | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine | Semaglutide | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| Main approval | Type 2 diabetes | Weight management | Weight management |
| Top weekly dose | 2 mg | 2.4 mg | 15 mg |
| Pill version | Rybelsus (diabetes) | Wegovy pill | No |
| Average weight loss in main trial | Not studied as a weight drug | About 15 percent | About 21 percent at the top dose |
Ozempic and Wegovy
Both are semaglutide, made by Novo Nordisk. Ozempic is dosed for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. Wegovy uses a higher dose and is approved for weight loss. Wegovy is also approved to lower heart attack and stroke risk in adults with heart disease and overweight or obesity. In December 2025 the FDA approved a daily Wegovy pill.
Zepbound
Zepbound is tirzepatide, made by Eli Lilly. It works on two hormone signals, GLP-1 and GIP. Its diabetes version is called Mounjaro. Zepbound is also approved for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
Which one should you take?
If the goal is the most weight loss, tirzepatide has the edge in trials. If you have heart disease, prefer a pill or your insurance covers semaglutide better, Wegovy may be the better fit. If you have type 2 diabetes, Ozempic or Mounjaro may be covered for blood sugar control. A doctor who knows these medicines well can match the right one to you.
Learn more on our page about Compare semaglutide and tirzepatide, or get in touch to request a visit.
Triple board-certified endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist in Chicago. This article is for general education and is not medical advice.