GLP 1 drugs for weight loss: every option available right now

There are currently six GLP-1 based drugs used for weight loss in United States. Three have formal FDA approval for chronic weight management: Wegovy (injectable and oral semaglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). A fourth, Foundayo (orforglipron), was just approved in 2026 as first small molecule GLP 1 pill. The others, Ozempic and Mounjaro, are approved for type 2 diabetes but widely prescribed off label for weight management.

This article lists every GLP-1 drug currently available, what each one is approved for, how much weight loss each produces, and what makes them different from each other.

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg injection)

Wegovy is most studied GLP 1 drug for weight loss. It is a once weekly subcutaneous injection. The FDA approved it for chronic weight management in June 2021 and later expanded label to include cardiovascular risk reduction in adults with obesity and established heart disease.

In STEP 1 trial, participants without diabetes lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight at 68 weeks. About half lost 15% or more. In two year STEP 5 trial, weight loss was maintained at about 15.2% through week 104.

The dose starts at 0.25 mg weekly and escalates over 16 to 20 weeks to maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. Nausea is most common side effect during titration. It tends to improve as body adjusts.

Wegovy also has cardiovascular outcome data from SELECT trial, which showed a 20% reduction in heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death in non diabetic patients with obesity over about 40 months. No other GLP 1 weight loss drug has this kind of cardiovascular proof yet.

Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide 25 mg)

The FDA approved oral Wegovy in December 2025, making it first oral GLP 1 drug approved for weight loss. It launched in early 2026.

In OASIS 4 trial, oral semaglutide 25 mg produced a mean weight loss of about 13.6% at 64 weeks in adults with obesity who didn't have diabetes. When looking only at participants who stayed on treatment, number was closer to 16.6%. That puts it in same range as injectable version.

The pill is taken once daily. It has to be swallowed on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, and you need to wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else or taking other medications. That's because oral absorption of semaglutide is sensitive to food and fluid in stomach.

This is a good option for people who don't want injections. The weight loss is comparable to injectable Wegovy, though daily routine around timing takes some adjustment.

Zepbound (tirzepatide)

Zepbound is a once weekly injection that works on two receptors: GLP 1 and GIP. The FDA approved it for chronic weight management in November 2023. It has since also been approved for obstructive sleep apnea and metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly called fatty liver disease).

In SURMOUNT 1 trial, participants on highest dose (15 mg) lost an average of about 22.5% of their body weight at 72 weeks. Even lowest dose (5 mg) produced about 15% loss. In head to head SURMOUNT 5 trial, tirzepatide at maximum dose beat semaglutide at maximum dose: 20.2% vs 13.7%.

The dose starts at 2.5 mg and can be increased every four weeks up to 15 mg. Side effects are similar to other GLP 1 drugs: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting, mostly during dose escalation.

Zepbound does not yet have cardiovascular outcome trial data like Wegovy does. Trials are underway. If you're thinking about switching from Wegovy to Zepbound, your doctor can help you plan transition.

Foundayo (orforglipron)

Foundayo is newest entry. The FDA approved it in April 2026 as first small molecule (non-peptide) oral GLP 1 drug. Unlike oral Wegovy, it doesn't have food and water timing restrictions. You can take it any time of day with or without food.

In ATTAIN 1 trial, 36 mg dose produced an average weight loss of about 12.4% at 72 weeks in adults with obesity but without diabetes. That's somewhat less than injectable semaglutide or tirzepatide, but convenience of a simple daily pill with no timing restrictions is a real advantage for many people.

Doses are 6 mg, 12 mg, and 36 mg, taken once daily. The side effects are consistent with other GLP 1 drugs: mostly gastrointestinal and mostly mild to moderate.

Eli Lilly has priced self pay option starting at $149 per month for lowest dose. Commercially insured patients may be eligible for a savings card that brings cost down to $25 per month.

Ozempic (semaglutide 1.0 mg)

Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss. But it is one of most commonly prescribed GLP-1 drugs in country, and many prescriptions are written off label for weight management.

The maximum approved dose is 2.0 mg weekly, which is lower than Wegovy's 2.4 mg. Weight loss at 1.0 mg dose in SUSTAIN trials averaged about 4 to 6 kg more than placebo. At 2.0 mg dose, it's higher but still less than what 2.4 mg Wegovy dose produces.

If you're using Ozempic for weight loss, your doctor may eventually recommend transitioning to Wegovy if you need a higher dose or if your insurer covers obesity labeled drug. For a look at how doses break down, our Ozempic dosage chart walks through each step.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide for diabetes)

Mounjaro is diabetes version of Zepbound. Same active drug (tirzepatide), same manufacturer (Eli Lilly), but approved specifically for type 2 diabetes. Some doctors prescribe it off label for weight management, especially when Zepbound isn't available or isn't covered by patient's insurance.

The doses and weight loss results are same as Zepbound because molecule is identical. The difference is labeling and insurance coding. If your insurer covers Mounjaro but not Zepbound, this may be an option worth discussing with your provider.

Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg)

Saxenda was first GLP 1 approved for weight loss, back in 2014. It is a daily injection. The weight loss it produces is more modest than newer drugs: about 5% to 8% of body weight in clinical trials.

A generic version of Saxenda (made by Teva) was approved by FDA in August 2025 and launched immediately. That makes it most affordable branded or generic GLP 1 option for weight loss at moment, though weight loss is significantly less than what semaglutide or tirzepatide deliver.

Saxenda is still a reasonable option for people who can't tolerate semaglutide or tirzepatide, or who prefer a lower intensity approach. But for most patients starting GLP 1 therapy for weight loss today, newer drugs are first choice.

Older GLP-1 drugs not typically used for weight loss

Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Byetta/Bydureon (exenatide) are GLP 1 drugs approved for type 2 diabetes. They produce some weight loss as a secondary effect, but amounts are small compared to drugs listed above. They are not prescribed for weight management in practice.

How do you choose between them?

The decision comes down to a few practical factors.

If you want most weight loss and can do a weekly injection, tirzepatide (Zepbound) has strongest data. If you want proven cardiovascular protection, semaglutide (Wegovy) is only GLP 1 with that outcome data in non diabetic patients. If you don't want injections at all, oral Wegovy or Foundayo are pill options. And if cost is biggest barrier, generic liraglutide (Saxenda) or Foundayo's $149 self pay pricing are most accessible entry points.