Complete GLP-1 Drug Guide
A medically-reviewed comparison of every FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist — including efficacy data, dosing schedules, costs, and eligibility criteria.
Last updated: March 2026 · Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell, MD (Board Certified Endocrinologist)
Wegovy
Semaglutide 2.4 mg/weekNovo Nordisk · Once-weekly subcutaneous injection (pen)
GLP-1 receptor agonist — mimics the hormone GLP-1 to reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying.
Pros
- Highest weight loss data of any injectable GLP-1
- Once weekly dosing
- FDA-approved specifically for obesity
Cons
- Expensive without insurance
- Supply shortages in 2022–2024
- Requires injection
Zepbound
Tirzepatide 5–15 mg/weekEli Lilly · Once-weekly subcutaneous injection (auto-injector pen)
Dual GLP-1 / GIP receptor agonist — acts on two gut hormone receptors simultaneously for enhanced effect.
Pros
- Highest published weight loss data of any approved drug (20–22%)
- Dual mechanism (GLP-1 + GIP) for superior efficacy
- FDA-approved for obesity
Cons
- Newest on market — less long-term data
- Very expensive without insurance
- Supply constraints in 2024
Ozempic
Semaglutide 0.5–2 mg/weekNovo Nordisk · Once-weekly subcutaneous injection (FlexPen)
GLP-1 receptor agonist — stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying.
Pros
- Longest safety track record of any GLP-1 (since 2017)
- Once weekly dosing
- Strong cardiovascular data (SUSTAIN, SELECT)
Cons
- Not FDA-approved for obesity (off-label only)
- Lower dose than Wegovy — less weight loss
- Requires physician willing to prescribe off-label
Mounjaro
Tirzepatide 2.5–15 mg/weekEli Lilly · Once-weekly subcutaneous injection (auto-injector pen)
Dual GLP-1 / GIP receptor agonist — superior glucose-lowering effect via two complementary mechanisms.
Pros
- Superior A1C reduction vs semaglutide in SURPASS-2
- Dual mechanism for enhanced effect
- Strong weight loss data even in T2DM population
Cons
- Approved for diabetes only (off-label for obesity)
- Expensive without insurance
- Less long-term CV outcome data than Ozempic
Saxenda
Liraglutide 3 mg/dayNovo Nordisk · Once-daily subcutaneous injection (FlexPen)
GLP-1 receptor agonist — daily dosing, shorter half-life than semaglutide.
Pros
- Longest-approved GLP-1 for obesity (since 2014)
- Extensive real-world safety data
- FDA-approved for obesity
Cons
- Daily injection vs weekly for newer agents
- Lower weight loss efficacy than semaglutide/tirzepatide
- High frequency of injection site reactions
Rybelsus
Oral Semaglutide 3–14 mg/dayNovo Nordisk · Once-daily oral tablet (taken fasting with small sip of water)
Oral GLP-1 receptor agonist — first-ever approved oral GLP-1, uses absorption enhancer (SNAC) for GI uptake.
Pros
- Only oral GLP-1 — no injections needed
- Strong A1C reduction (1.5% at 14mg)
- Convenient once-daily pill
Cons
- Must take fasting on empty stomach — strict dosing protocol
- Less weight loss than injectable GLP-1s
- Approved for T2DM only
Quick Comparison Table
| Drug | Indication | Avg. Weight Loss | Frequency | Without Insurance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wegovy Semaglutide | Weight Loss | 15–17% | Weekly | ~$1,350/mo | |
Zepbound Tirzepatide | Weight Loss | 20–22% | Weekly | ~$1,059/mo | |
Ozempic Semaglutide | T2 Diabetes | 10–14% | Weekly | ~$935/mo | |
Mounjaro Tirzepatide | T2 Diabetes | 18–20% | Weekly | ~$1,069/mo | |
Saxenda Liraglutide | Weight Loss | 8–9% | Daily | ~$1,350/mo | |
Rybelsus Oral Semaglutide | T2 Diabetes | 5–8% | Daily | ~$850/mo |