Ad-free rankings · 6 GLP-1 brands independently reviewed
Updated April 2026
Weight LossGLP-1

Find the right GLP-1 for your body

Clinician-prescribed semaglutide and tirzepatide from six trusted telehealth platforms — compared on price, format, coaching, and compounded vs. brand-name options.

Brands
6compared
From
$99/mo
Format
Inj. or oral
15%
avg. body weight loss · 12 weeks
Independently compared · 6 providers reviewed
VerdeGLP1 for SeniorseMedHimsNoomRo
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What's being prescribed

GLP-1s explained. The honest breakdown.

Four medications. Different mechanisms, formats and price points — here's what each one actually does.

At a glanceTirzepatideSemaglutideCompoundedOral (Rybelsus)
Avg. weight loss~22%~15%Varies~5%
FormatInjectable penInjectable penVial / penDaily pill
FrequencyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyDaily
Starting price$1,060/mo$1,300/mo$99/mo$900/mo
Best forStrongest resultsMost studiedBudgetInjection-averse

← Swipe to compare all four options →

Tirzepatide

GLP-1 / GIP dual agonist
Injectable
From$1,060/moDosingWeeklyLoss~22%
What is it? Activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors — the dual mechanism produces stronger appetite suppression and greater weight loss than semaglutide in head-to-head trials.
Ideal forPatients prioritising the strongest possible weight loss results.

How it works

Tirzepatide activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors — the dual mechanism produces stronger appetite suppression and greater weight loss than semaglutide in head-to-head trials. Weekly subcutaneous injection.

Typical titration schedule

  • Weeks 1–4: 2.5mg/week (starter)
  • Weeks 5–8: 5mg/week
  • Maintenance options: 10mg or 15mg/week

Price range

Brand Zepbound: ~$1,060–1,300/month (savings card may apply). Compounded tirzepatide: $150–450/month.

Key considerations

SURMOUNT trials showed ~20–22% avg. weight loss at 72 weeks. Strongest efficacy data of any GLP-1 class medication currently. Similar side effect profile to semaglutide. Supply normalising after the 2024–2025 shortage.

Semaglutide

GLP-1 receptor agonist
Injectable
From$1,300/moDosingWeeklyLoss~15%
What is it? Mimics the hormone GLP-1, slowing gastric emptying and signalling fullness to the brain. Wegovy 2.4mg is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management.
Ideal forThe most studied GLP-1 — best for users who want the longest evidence track record.

How it works

Weekly subcutaneous injection, with doses titrated up over 16–20 weeks. Wegovy 2.4mg is the dose that delivers the full clinical-trial weight loss results.

Typical titration schedule

  • Weeks 1–4: 0.25mg/week (starter)
  • Weeks 5–8: 0.5mg/week
  • Weeks 9–12: 1.0mg/week
  • Weeks 13–16: 1.7mg/week
  • Maintenance: 2.4mg/week

Price range

Brand Wegovy: ~$1,300–1,500/month (insurance may apply). Compounded semaglutide: $99–350/month.

Key considerations

Most studied GLP-1 in class; 12–15% avg. weight loss in trials. Compounded versions use the same active molecule but are not FDA-approved. Side effects: nausea, constipation (mostly in titration phase). Not for: personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer, MEN2.

Semaglutide (Oral)

Daily pill — no injection
Oral
From$900/moDosingDailyLoss~5%
What is it? Same active molecule as Ozempic/Wegovy but formulated as a daily pill with an absorption enhancer (SNAC). Removes the injection barrier entirely.
Ideal forInjection-averse patients with smaller weight-loss goals (under 20 lb), or as a bridging option.

How it works

Bioavailability is lower than injectable, resulting in more modest weight loss (4–6% vs 12–15%). Strict administration: must be taken on empty stomach, 30 min before food/water.

Typical titration schedule

  • Months 1–2: 3mg/day
  • Months 3–4: 7mg/day
  • Maintenance: 14mg/day

Price range

Brand Rybelsus: ~$900–1,100/month (manufacturer coupons available). Note: no FDA-approved compounded oral semaglutide (injectable compounding only).

Key considerations

Good option for injection-averse patients. FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, widely prescribed off-label for weight. Less potent weight loss than injectable; best for < 20 lb goals or bridging. Strict administration protocol reduces compliance for some users.

Compounded Sema / Tirz

503B compounded · cost-effective
Compounded
From$99/moDosingWeeklySaving70–90%
What is it? FDA-registered 503B compounding pharmacies produce semaglutide or tirzepatide base — the same active molecule as brand drugs — at significantly lower cost.
Ideal forBudget-conscious patients comfortable with compounded medications and current shortage rules.

How it works

Legal during periods of documented FDA drug shortage (semaglutide shortage officially ended late 2024; tirzepatide shortage still in effect as of 2025). Same active molecule, much lower cost.

Format

Multi-dose vial with insulin syringe, or pre-filled syringe — weekly dosing.

Price range

$99–450/month depending on dose and provider — 70–90% cheaper than brand equivalents.

Key considerations

Price is the main draw. Quality varies by compounding pharmacy — third-party testing matters. FDA does not approve compounded drugs; not interchangeable with Wegovy/Zepbound. Regulatory landscape shifting — check provider's current formulation status.

How GLP-1 works

Slow the hunger signal. Lose the weight.

GLP-1 medications change the hormonal conversation between your gut and your brain — no willpower required.

15%

Most users see 12–15% body weight loss in the first 12 weeks. Tirzepatide trials show up to 22% loss over 72 weeks.

Body weight on GLP-1 over time
−15%100%90%80%70%018365472Weeks

BMI & health assessment

A quick clinical review of your weight history, goals and any diabetes status. Most providers require a BMI ≥ 27 with a qualifying condition, or ≥ 30 without.

Weekly injection or daily pill

Semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) are weekly injections. Rybelsus is the oral semaglutide option if you prefer to skip needles.

Titrate up, lose steady

Doses increase over 4–16 weeks to minimise side effects. Most patients see meaningful loss by week 8 and reach maintenance dose by month 4–5.

What to expect

How GLP-1 gets to work

Most users report a clear sequence — appetite changes first, then visible loss, then a maintenance plateau.

  1. Week 1–2

    Reduced appetite. Most patients notice a sharp drop in food cravings and shorter time-to-fullness within the first two weeks of dosing.

  2. Week 3–6

    Visible weight loss begins. As the dose titrates up, the scale and how clothes fit start changing measurably — typically 3–6 lbs by this point.

  3. Week 12

    Average loss across the main trials is 8–15% of body weight, depending on medication and dose reached. The single most-studied milestone.

  4. Month 4–5

    Maintenance dose reached. Most patients are now on their target weekly dose; weight loss continues but starts levelling off into a steady downward trend.

  5. Year 1 and beyond

    Sustained loss with continued treatment. Tirzepatide trials show 20–22% loss at week 72. Most clinicians treat GLP-1s as long-term tools, not short-term fixes.

Is this right for you?

Common reasons people start a GLP-1 programme

BMI ≥ 30

Body weight in the obese range — the primary clinical threshold for GLP-1 eligibility without a qualifying condition.

BMI ≥ 27 + a condition

Qualifying conditions include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnoea.

Type 2 diabetes / pre-diabetes

Several GLP-1s were originally approved for blood sugar control — diabetes status may open insurance coverage.

Failed previous diet attempts

If diet and exercise haven't produced lasting results, a clinical framework is often the missing piece.

Weight-related health risks

Joint pain, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular risk factors that your doctor has linked to excess weight.

Post-bariatric weight regain

GLP-1 therapy is increasingly used as a maintenance tool after bariatric surgery.

Injection-comfortable (or not)

Prefer not to inject? Ask about oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) or once-weekly pre-filled pens designed for ease.

Budget aware

Starting from $99/month compounded. Brand-name options from $1,000+/month. Coaching plans vary — we compare all of it.

Not eligible?GLP-1 therapy is not suitable if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome, are pregnant or nursing, or have a history of pancreatitis. All providers on this platform perform a clinical assessment before prescribing.
Real results

What patients actually say after 12 weeks

“

I'd tried every diet going. Within eight weeks on tirzepatide I'd lost 18 pounds without feeling deprived. The compounded route through Ro was half what I expected to pay.

SM
Sarah M, 41
Ro Body
“

Found's coaching made the difference for me. The medication controlled hunger — the coach helped me understand why I was eating in the first place.

DR
David R, 37
Found
“

Rybelsus was perfect for me — I really didn't want to inject. I'm down 11 pounds over 14 weeks and haven't had any real side effects.

CT
Claire T, 52
Noom Med
Our process

We do the research. You make the call.

01

Answer 6–10 questions

Tell us your goal, budget, format preference, and any health history. Our matcher uses these to rank providers by fit, not by who pays us.

02

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Up to six clinician-led brands, ranked by how well they match your profile — with real prices and what's included.

03

Compare side-by-side, then go

Pin up to three brands for a direct comparison, save your shortlist, then click through to start your clinical intake.

Questions, answered

Honest answers to common questions

Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists that reduce appetite and slow digestion, but tirzepatide also activates the GIP receptor. In head-to-head studies, tirzepatide produced roughly 5–7 percentage points more weight loss than semaglutide. It's also newer and typically more expensive.
Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide use the same active molecule as brand drugs, produced by FDA-registered 503B pharmacies. They are legal during documented shortages and widely used, but they are not FDA-approved and quality can vary by pharmacy. We only list providers that source from third-party tested compounders.
Weekly injections use a pre-filled auto-injector pen — similar to an Epipen. Most patients find it straightforward after the first time. If you're needle-averse, Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) is a daily pill alternative, though it produces less weight loss.
Coverage varies significantly. Wegovy has some commercial insurance coverage; Ozempic is more widely covered when prescribed for diabetes. Most compounded options are cash-pay only. Calibrate has a dedicated insurance support team if coverage is a priority.
Weight regain is common after stopping GLP-1 therapy, especially if lifestyle habits haven't shifted. This is an active area of research. Most clinicians recommend treating it as a long-term tool rather than a short-term fix.
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