Best GLP-1 Agonist: Ranked on Trial Results, Side Effects
4 GLP-1 medicines are FDA approved for weight loss: Wegovy, Zepbound, Foundayo and Saxenda. The largest average loss in a main trial was 20.9% with Zepbound (SURMOUNT-1). The lowest self-pay start is $149 per month for Wegovy.
- Approved for weight loss
- 4
- Largest trial weight loss
- 20.9%, Zepbound
- Lowest self-pay
- $149 per month, Wegovy
- Tablets
- Wegovy and Foundayo
A quick look at half-life and weight loss
Half-life in days: how long your body needs to clear half a dose. This comes from section 12.3 in each FDA label.
Share of body weight. Trials, doses and lengths differ, so compare each result with the placebo on its own page.
Weight loss compared
Every drug's numbers come from its main trial. Because of that, the people and the lengths differ. Tap a column to sort the results.
| Medicine | Ingredient | How it is taken | Approved for | Trial weight loss | Most common side effect | Self-pay from | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Zepbound | tirzepatide | Weekly injection | Weight loss and sleep apnea | 20.9% | Nausea 29% vs 8% on placebo | $299 per month | $499 to $1,086 per fill |
 Wegovy | semaglutide | Weekly injection or daily tablet | Weight loss, heart risk and MASH liver disease | 14.9% | Nausea 44% vs 16% on placebo | $149 per month | $1,349.02 per month |
 Foundayo | orforglipron | Daily tablet | Weight loss | 11.1% | Nausea 35% vs 10% on placebo | $149 per month | $649 per month |
 Saxenda | liraglutide | Daily injection | Weight loss | 7.4% | Nausea 39.3% vs 13.8% on placebo | Not listed | $1,349.02 per 5 pens |