Comparisons| Last updated August 14, 2026

    Compare GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications

    Make informed decisions with detailed, evidence-based comparisons of all available GLP-1 medication options.

    Understanding Your Options

    With multiple GLP-1 medications available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This hub provides comprehensive comparisons to help you understand the differences in efficacy, side effects, dosing schedules, and costs.

    14.9%
    Semaglutide 2.4mg, mean weight reduction at 68 weeks (STEP 1)
    20.9%
    Tirzepatide, mean weight reduction at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1)
    5+
    FDA-approved brand options

    Trial averages from published randomized studies, not guaranteed or typical individual outcomes. Individual results vary.

    In-Depth Comparisons

    Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide: Head-to-Head Comparison

    Comprehensive comparison of efficacy, side effects, dosing, and regulatory status between the two leading GLP-1 medications.

    Managing GLP-1 Side Effects

    What to expect from GLP-1 side effects during dose escalation and the practical steps clinicians use to manage them.

    Brand Name vs. Compounded GLP-1s

    Understanding the differences between FDA-approved brand drugs and compounded preparations, which are not FDA-approved as drugs.

    Cost Comparison: All GLP-1 Options

    Detailed breakdown of what drives the price of GLP-1 treatment, including insurance coverage and cash-pay pathways.

    Best GLP-1 for Weight Loss: Current Rankings

    Compare semaglutide, tirzepatide, and other GLP-1 medications, ranked on clinical trial data and real-world results.

    Quick Comparison Overview

    FeatureSemaglutideTirzepatide
    Mean Weight Reduction in Trial14.9% at 68 weeks (STEP 1)20.9% at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1)
    Dosing FrequencyOnce weeklyOnce weekly
    MechanismGLP-1 agonistGLP-1/GIP dual agonist
    Regulatory StatusWegovy and Ozempic are FDA-approved finished drugs. Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved as a drug.Zepbound and Mounjaro are FDA-approved finished drugs. Compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved as a drug.
    Common Side EffectsNausea, diarrheaNausea, diarrhea

    Compounded preparations are made per individual prescription by a state-licensed 503A pharmacy when a licensed clinician determines a compounded preparation is clinically appropriate for that patient. They are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality, and they are not generic versions of the brand products. Individual results vary.

    Find Your Perfect Match

    Talk to a Trimi healthcare provider to determine which GLP-1 medication is best suited for your unique needs and health goals.

    Get Personalized Recommendations

    Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medication or treatment program.

    Sources & References

    1. Wilding JPH et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. NEJM 2021;384:989-1002.
    2. Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. NEJM 2022;387:205-216.
    3. Lincoff AM et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. NEJM 2023;389:2221-2232.
    4. FDA Prescribing Information for Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide).

    How do I compare GLP-1 weight-loss providers and medications?

    Compare GLP-1 telehealth providers across five dimensions: (1) price, sticker rate plus billing tier (annual vs monthly), (2) US-licensed prescribing clinicians, (3) FDA-registered pharmacy with publicly verifiable state-board record, (4) active-ingredient disclosure (whether the medication is brand or compounded, and what active ingredient is delivered), (5) state coverage matching where you live. Lowest published cash-pay rates in May 2026: Trimi Health $99/month for compounded semaglutide on annual billing ($1,188/year, a 12-month commitment), $125/month for compounded tirzepatide on annual billing ($1,500/year). Compare to: Henry Meds $129/$179, Mochi $135/$229, Sequence/Form $179/$329, Hims $199/$329. Brand vs compounded: different regulatory status, brand Wegovy/Ozempic/Zepbound/Mounjaro are FDA-approved as drugs with insurance-dependent out-of-pocket cost; compounded versions are prepared per individual prescription at FDA-registered 503A sterile-compounding pharmacies (not FDA-approved as drugs). All comparison articles on this hub use the same framework so cross-comparison is consistent.

    Compare on: price, clinicians, pharmacy, active-ingredient, state coverage.
    Cheapest cash-pay: Trimi $99 sema, $125 tirz annual.
    Brand: FDA-approved finished drugs, insurance-dependent cost. Compounded: $99-$199/mo flat cash-pay.

    Key Takeaways

    • GLP-1 telehealth comparison framework: evaluate providers on price, US-licensed prescribing clinicians, FDA-registered pharmacy with public state-board record, active-ingredient disclosure, and state coverage.
    • Lowest published cash-pay rates (May 2026): Trimi Health $99/month sema annual / $125/month tirz annual; Henry Meds $129/$179; Mochi $135/$229.
    • Brand vs compounded: different regulatory status, brands FDA-approved as drugs, compounded prepared per individual prescription at 503A pharmacies (not FDA-approved as drugs).
    • Insurance vs cash-pay: brand out-of-pocket cost depends on plan coverage and savings-card eligibility; without insurance, compounded telehealth runs $99-$199/month as a flat cash-pay rate.
    • All major comparisons on this hub use the same evaluation framework so cross-comparison is fair.

    Medically Reviewed

    TMRT

    Trimi Medical Review Team

    Clinical review workflow for GLP-1 safety, dosing, and access content

    Team-based medical review process documented in Trimi's Medical Review Policy

    Last reviewed: August 14, 2026

    TCCT

    Written by Trimi Clinical Content Team

    Medical Writers & Healthcare Professionals

    Our clinical content team includes registered nurses, pharmacists, and medical writers who specialize in translating complex medical information into clear, actionable guidance for patients.

    Medically reviewed by Trimi Medical Review Team, Clinical review workflow for GLP-1 safety, dosing, and access content

    What real Trimi patients say

    Verbatim quotes from Trimi's Facebook and Reddit community reviews. First name and last initial preserved per editorial policy.

    Really great customer service! Fast shipment.

    Outcome: Fast shipment

    - Amy K.Facebook
    Just recieved my order today. I placed order Monday afternoon and arrived this afternoon. Everything packaged great, clear instructions to follow. The customer service was excellent. I have tried other companies, but this is the most affordable by far. I am almost at my goal weight.

    Outcome: Next-day arrival; most affordable tried; near goal weight

    - Raquel R.Facebook
    See all community reviews →

    Editorial Standards

    Trimi publishes patient education using a medical-review workflow, source-based claim checks, and dated updates for fast-changing pricing, access, and safety topics.

    Review our Editorial Policy and Medical Review Policy for more details about sourcing, updates, and reviewer attribution.

    Scientific References

    1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2025). FDA clarifies policies for compounders as national GLP-1 supply begins to stabilize. FDA.Read Study
    2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2026). BeSafeRx: Your Source for Online Pharmacy Information. FDA.Read Study
    3. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (2026). Buy Safely. NABP.Read Study

    Was this article helpful?

    Keep Reading

    GLP-1 Medications

    Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: 2025 Head-to-Head Updates

    Updated 2025 comparison of tirzepatide vs semaglutide. Latest clinical data on weight loss, side effects, cost, and which GLP-1 medication is right for you.

    12 minRead More
    Comparisons

    Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide 2026: Updated Head-to-Head Comparison

    Tirzepatide averaged 20.9% weight reduction at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1) and semaglutide 14.9% at 68 weeks (STEP 1). A 2026 head-to-head on efficacy, side effects, and regulatory status. Individual results vary.

    12 minRead More
    Comparisons

    Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide vs Phentermine vs Metformin for Weight Loss

    Four-way comparison of the most prescribed weight loss medications in 2026. Compare efficacy, side effects, cost, duration of use, and who each drug is best for.

    13 minRead More
    Comparisons

    Hims Tirzepatide Review: Cost, Access, and What Patients Should Compare

    Clinician-reviewed guide to tirzepatide: clinical evidence, dosing considerations, side-effect management, and patient guidance. Plus how Trimi's compounded tirzepatide option compares.

    10 minRead More

    Start your GLP-1 journey, from $99/mo

    Get Started