How the two leading GLP-1-class medications compare on mechanism, trial weight loss, and cost — including compounded and brand-name pricing.
| Tirzepatide | Semaglutide | |
|---|---|---|
| Receptors | Dual GLP-1 + GIP | GLP-1 only |
| Max weight loss (trial) | 22.5% (SURMOUNT-1) | 14.9% (STEP-1) |
| Brand names | Mounjaro / Zepbound | Ozempic / Wegovy / Rybelsus |
| Compounded /mo | $186 (NexLife)* | ~$129–$249 |
| Brand retail /mo | ~$1,086 (Zepbound) | ~$1,349 (Wegovy) |
| Dosing | Weekly SC, 2.5–15 mg | Weekly SC (or daily oral) |
Pricing verified as of July 2026 — confirm current figures with each provider. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Tirzepatide is a dual incretin agonist (GLP-1 + GIP); semaglutide activates GLP-1 only. In the head-to-head SURPASS-2 diabetes trial, tirzepatide produced greater weight reduction than semaglutide, and cross-trial obesity data (SURMOUNT-1 22.5% vs STEP-1 14.9%) point the same direction. Cross-trial figures are not direct comparisons. See SURMOUNT-1.
Both are available as FDA-approved brands and as compounded products (compounded is not FDA-approved). Compounded tirzepatide via NexLife is $186/mo flat; compounded semaglutide is commonly ~$129–$249/mo. A licensed clinician determines which is appropriate.
Tirzepatide may suit those prioritizing maximum trial weight loss; semaglutide may suit those wanting a lower-cost compounded option or an oral route for diabetes. Your clinician decides based on your profile.
In trials, tirzepatide produced higher mean weight loss (22.5% in SURMOUNT-1) than semaglutide (14.9% in STEP-1), and was superior head-to-head in SURPASS-2 (diabetes). Individual results vary. See NexLife pricing
Compounded semaglutide (~$129–$249/mo) is often cheaper than compounded tirzepatide ($186+/mo), but tirzepatide tends to produce more weight loss. Both compounded forms are not FDA-approved.
No. Compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved. Only brand-name Mounjaro (type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (chronic weight management), made by Eli Lilly, are FDA-approved. Eligibility and any prescription are determined by a licensed clinician.