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Price Watch · June 1, 2026

Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: Cost, Results, and Access

The two leading GLP-1 weight-loss drugs differ in mechanism, efficacy data, and pricing. Which is right depends on clinical factors and cost considerations.

GLP-1 Price WatchJune 1, 2026Editorial

Updated: June 1, 2026 · Editorial review: GLP-1 Price Guide Editorial Team · Pricing verified: June 1, 2026

Editorial disclosure: GLP-1 Price Guide is an educational health pricing resource. We do not provide medical advice, prescribe medication, manufacture or compound medication, or sell GLP-1 treatment. Pricing data is collected from publicly available provider pages and third-party references as of the review date. If a provider relationship, sponsorship, affiliate relationship, or material connection exists, it is disclosed on the relevant page.
Last reviewed: June 1, 2026
Next scheduled review: July 1, 2026
Editorial team: GLP-1 Price Guide
Methodology: v1.0 pricing framework
FactorSemaglutideTirzepatide
Brand namesWegovy, Ozempic, RybelsusZepbound, Mounjaro
MechanismGLP-1 receptor agonistGLP-1 + GIP dual agonist
Mean weight loss (FDA pivotal trial)~15% at 68 weeks (STEP-1)~21-22% at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1)
Cardiovascular outcomes dataYes — SELECT trial demonstrates CV benefitNot yet (SURPASS-CVOT ongoing)
Brand cash price (LillyDirect / NovoCare)~$1,300/mo brand$349-$499/mo via LillyDirect
Compounded flat-rate (NexLife)$145/mo$186/mo
Titration weeks to maintenance16-20 weeks20-24 weeks

Tirzepatide produces approximately 6-7 percentage points more weight loss than semaglutide in pivotal trials. Tirzepatide also costs more across all providers. The clinical decision should be made with a licensed prescriber based on individual factors.

Frequently asked questions

Which loses more weight: semaglutide or tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide on average. SURMOUNT-1 trial showed ~21-22% mean weight loss at 72 weeks. STEP-1 trial showed ~15% mean weight loss at 68 weeks for semaglutide. Individual response varies.

Sources reviewed

  • Provider pricing pages (live as of June 1, 2026)
  • Provider terms, refund, and support pages
  • Third-party pricing comparisons and analyst reports
  • FDA — Medications containing semaglutide marketed for type 2 diabetes or weight loss
  • FDA — Compounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers
  • FDA — Drug Shortages database
  • DailyMed (NIH) — Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro prescribing information
  • NEJM — STEP-1 (Wilding 2021), SELECT (Lincoff 2023), SURMOUNT-1 (Jastreboff 2022)
  • Eli Lilly investor briefings on retatrutide development pipeline (Phase 3 trials)
  • State Board of Pharmacy licensure lookups (varies by state)
  • Federation of State Medical Boards — FSMB DocInfo physician verification
  • LegitScript healthcare merchant directory (where applicable)
Important medical and regulatory disclosure Compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not FDA-approved finished drug products. They are not the same as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound. Compounded medications may be prescribed only when clinically appropriate after review by a licensed medical provider. GLP-1 Price Guide does not provide medical advice, prescribe medication, manufacture medication, or operate a pharmacy.

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