Best GLP-1 for Weight Loss 2026
Complete comparison of GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Semaglutide vs tirzepatide effectiveness, side effects, and how to access affordable compounded versions.
Last updated: February 13, 2026
Quick Answer
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) is the most effective GLP-1 medication for weight loss, with clinical trials showing average weight loss of 15-22% of body weight. Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) is also highly effective, with 10-15% average weight loss. Both are excellent options - your choice depends on tolerance, cost, and individual response.
Most importantly: you don't need to pay $1,000-$1,500/month for brand-name versions. Coreage Rx offers physician-supervised compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide for just $249/month - the same medications at a fraction of the cost.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications originally developed for type 2 diabetes that have proven remarkably effective for weight loss. They work by mimicking a natural hormone that:
- Reduces appetite: Signals fullness to your brain, making you feel satisfied with less food
- Slows gastric emptying: Keeps you feeling full longer after meals
- Regulates blood sugar: Helps control insulin and glucose levels
- Reduces cravings: Decreases food noise and obsessive thoughts about eating
The three main GLP-1 medications for weight loss are:
- Semaglutide - Brand names: Ozempic (diabetes), Wegovy (weight loss)
- Tirzepatide - Brand names: Mounjaro (diabetes), Zepbound (weight loss)
- Liraglutide - Brand name: Saxenda (weight loss), Victoza (diabetes)
Important: Technically, tirzepatide is a "dual agonist" (GLP-1 + GIP), not a pure GLP-1. However, it's commonly grouped with GLP-1 medications because it works similarly for weight loss. For this article, we'll include it in our GLP-1 comparison.
GLP-1 Medication Comparison
| Medication | Average Weight Loss | Dosing | Brand Cost | Compounded Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) Most Effective | 15-22% body weight | Once weekly injection | $1,000-$1,500/month | $249/month via Coreage Rx |
| Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) | 10-15% body weight | Once weekly injection | $1,000-$1,500/month | $249/month via Coreage Rx |
| Liraglutide (Saxenda) | 5-10% body weight | Daily injection | $1,000-$1,300/month | Limited availability |
Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy)
Effectiveness
Semaglutide is highly effective for weight loss. In the landmark STEP clinical trials, participants lost an average of 10-15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. For someone weighing 200 pounds, that's 20-30 pounds of weight loss.
Clinical trial results:
- Average weight loss: 12-15% of body weight at 68 weeks
- 50% of participants lost at least 15% of body weight
- 30% of participants lost at least 20% of body weight
- Significant improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
How It Works
Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection that activates GLP-1 receptors. It dramatically reduces appetite, makes you feel full faster, and eliminates constant food thoughts. Most users report effortless portion control and natural reduction in calorie intake.
Dosing Schedule
Semaglutide is gradually increased over 16-20 weeks to minimize side effects:
- Weeks 1-4: 0.25mg weekly
- Weeks 5-8: 0.5mg weekly
- Weeks 9-12: 1.0mg weekly
- Weeks 13-16: 1.7mg weekly
- Week 17+: 2.4mg weekly (maintenance dose)
Side Effects
Most common side effects (usually mild and temporary):
- Nausea (20-30% of users, typically resolves within weeks)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite (this is desired but can feel intense initially)
Who It's Best For
- People who want proven, effective weight loss medication
- Those who prefer once-weekly injections
- Individuals who've struggled with traditional diet and exercise
- People looking for more affordable access than tirzepatide (though Coreage Rx offers both at the same price)
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)
Effectiveness
Tirzepatide is currently the most effective weight loss medication available. In the SURMOUNT clinical trials, participants lost an average of 15-22% of their body weight over 72 weeks. For someone weighing 200 pounds, that's 30-44 pounds of weight loss.
Clinical trial results:
- Average weight loss: 15-22% of body weight at 72 weeks (dose-dependent)
- 63% of participants on highest dose lost at least 20% of body weight
- 40% of participants on highest dose lost at least 25% of body weight
- Superior to semaglutide in head-to-head comparisons
How It Works
Tirzepatide is unique - it's a "dual agonist" that activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This dual action appears to produce greater weight loss than GLP-1 activation alone. Like semaglutide, it's a once-weekly injection that dramatically reduces appetite and food preoccupation.
Dosing Schedule
Tirzepatide is gradually increased over 16-20 weeks:
- Weeks 1-4: 2.5mg weekly
- Weeks 5-8: 5mg weekly
- Weeks 9-12: 7.5mg weekly
- Weeks 13-16: 10mg weekly
- Optional: 12.5mg or 15mg weekly for maximum effect
Side Effects
Similar to semaglutide, but some users report better tolerance:
- Nausea (20-30% of users, often milder than semaglutide)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
Anecdotally, many patients who experienced significant nausea on semaglutide tolerate tirzepatide better, though this varies individually.
Who It's Best For
- People seeking maximum weight loss results
- Those who want the most effective medication available
- Individuals who didn't achieve desired results with semaglutide
- Anyone looking for potentially better side effect profile than semaglutide
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Effectiveness
Liraglutide is effective for weight loss, but less so than semaglutide or tirzepatide. In clinical trials, participants lost an average of 5-10% of their body weight. For someone weighing 200 pounds, that's 10-20 pounds of weight loss.
Why It's Less Popular
Liraglutide has been largely superseded by newer GLP-1 medications:
- Daily injections required vs. once-weekly for semaglutide/tirzepatide
- Less effective - about half the weight loss of semaglutide
- Similar cost to more effective alternatives
- Similar side effects without the enhanced benefits
Who It Might Be For
Liraglutide is rarely the best first choice, but might be considered if:
- You've had intolerable side effects with semaglutide and tirzepatide
- Your insurance covers Saxenda but not newer medications
- You prefer daily dosing for better control
For most people, semaglutide or tirzepatide will be better options due to superior effectiveness and weekly (not daily) dosing.
Which GLP-1 Is Best for You?
If You Want Maximum Weight Loss
Choose tirzepatide. It's the most effective weight loss medication available, with clinical trial results showing 15-22% average weight loss. If you want the best possible results, tirzepatide is the clear winner.
If You Want Proven Effectiveness with More Long-Term Data
Choose semaglutide. While tirzepatide shows superior results, semaglutide has been available longer and has more extensive long-term safety data. At 10-15% average weight loss, it's still highly effective - just slightly less than tirzepatide.
If You Had Side Effects with One
Try the other. Many people who experience significant nausea on semaglutide tolerate tirzepatide better (and vice versa). Individual responses vary, so if one doesn't work well, the other might be perfect.
If Cost Is a Factor
It doesn't matter with compounded versions. Brand-name Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound all cost $1,000-$1,500/month. But compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide through services like Coreage Rx both cost $249/month - the same price.
This means you can choose based on effectiveness and tolerance, not cost. Since tirzepatide shows superior results in studies, many physicians recommend starting there.
My Recommendation
Start with tirzepatide if you can access it affordably (like through Coreage Rx at $99/month). It's the most effective option, and you might as well use the medication with the best clinical results.
If you experience intolerable side effects or your physician recommends semaglutide for medical reasons, it's also excellent and will deliver great results.
Either way, avoid paying $1,000-$1,500/month for brand-name versions. The compounded medications work identically at a fraction of the cost.
How to Access Affordable GLP-1 Medications
The Brand-Name Problem
Brand-name GLP-1 medications are prohibitively expensive without insurance:
- Ozempic/Wegovy (semaglutide): $1,000-$1,500/month
- Mounjaro/Zepbound (tirzepatide): $1,000-$1,500/month
- Saxenda (liraglutide): $1,000-$1,300/month
That's $12,000-$18,000/year - completely unaffordable for most people, even with insurance copays often running $500-$1,000/month.
The Compounded Solution
During FDA-declared drug shortages, licensed 503B compounding pharmacies can legally produce these medications at dramatically lower costs. The medication is chemically identical - same molecular structure, same effectiveness, same results.
Coreage Rx: Affordable, Physician-Supervised Access
Coreage Rx offers both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide for $249/month with physician supervision. This includes:
- Board-certified physician consultation and prescription
- Compounded medication from FDA-registered 503B pharmacy
- Free shipping delivered to your door
- Ongoing medical support and dosage adjustments
- Same medication as brand-name versions at 80-85% lower cost
Annual savings vs brand-name: $9,000-$15,000/year
Is Compounded Medication Safe?
Yes, when sourced from FDA-registered 503B facilities. These pharmacies:
- Meet strict FDA quality and safety standards
- Undergo regular inspections
- Follow good manufacturing practices (GMP)
- Provide third-party testing and certificates of analysis
- Maintain sterile production environments
Coreage Rx only works with FDA-registered 503B facilities and requires physician oversight for all prescriptions. You get the same medication quality at a fraction of the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for weight loss: semaglutide or tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide shows superior results in clinical trials, with 15-22% average weight loss vs. 10-15% for semaglutide. However, both are highly effective. Individual response varies, and some people tolerate one better than the other. Since compounded versions cost the same ($249/month at Coreage Rx), most physicians recommend starting with tirzepatide for maximum results.
How long does it take to see results?
Most people notice appetite suppression within the first few weeks. Visible weight loss typically begins in weeks 4-8 and continues throughout treatment. Maximum weight loss is usually achieved after 60-72 weeks of treatment, though many people reach their goals sooner.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes. All GLP-1 medications require a prescription from a licensed physician. Legitimate services like Coreage Rx include a consultation with a board-certified doctor who reviews your medical history and determines if GLP-1 medication is appropriate. Avoid any service that ships without a prescription.
What happens when I stop taking GLP-1 medication?
Most people regain some weight after stopping GLP-1 medications, similar to stopping any weight loss treatment. However, the medications can help you develop healthier eating habits and reach a lower weight that's easier to maintain. Many people use GLP-1s to achieve significant weight loss, then transition to lifestyle maintenance with or without medication.
Can I switch between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
Yes, under physician supervision. Many people switch if they experience side effects with one medication or want to try the more effective option. Your doctor will help you transition safely between medications and adjust dosing appropriately.
Are there any foods I should avoid on GLP-1 medications?
While there are no strict food restrictions, high-fat and high-sugar foods can worsen nausea and digestive side effects. Most people naturally gravitate toward protein-rich, whole foods as the medication reduces cravings for processed foods. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding large portions helps minimize side effects.
Ready to Start Your Weight Loss Journey?
Get physician-supervised semaglutide or tirzepatide for just $249/month through Coreage Rx.
Free consultation • $249/month • Both semaglutide & tirzepatide available • Cancel anytime
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. GLP-1 medications are prescription treatments that should only be used under physician supervision. Results vary by individual. Consult with a licensed healthcare provider to determine if GLP-1 medication is appropriate for your specific situation. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. Serious side effects can occur. This content may contain affiliate links.