Compare Your Weight Loss Options
Side-by-side guides for every FDA-approved weight loss medication we prescribe — mechanism, efficacy, cost, and insurance coverage compared.
Comparing weight loss medications
There are several FDA-approved medications used in medical weight loss — each with a different mechanism, route, and clinical profile. The chart below gives you an at-a-glance comparison of every medication we work with at PEAK.
| Medication | Drug Class | How It Works | Route & Frequency | FDA-Approved for | Avg. Weight Loss | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovysemaglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Targets GLP-1 receptors to reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying | Weekly injection | Weight Loss CV Risk Reduction MASH | ~15% of body weight | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation |
| Zepboundtirzepatide | Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist | Targets two hormone pathways (GLP-1 + GIP) to regulate appetite, satiety, and metabolism | Weekly injection | Weight Loss Obstructive Sleep Apnea | ~20–22.5% of body weight | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation |
| Saxendaliraglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Targets GLP-1 receptors to reduce appetite; longest-established GLP-1 for weight loss | Daily injection | Weight Loss | ~8% of body weight | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation |
| Ozempicsemaglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Same active ingredient as Wegovy; FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss | Weekly injection | Type 2 Diabetes CV Risk Reduction Chronic Kidney Disease | Varies by dose | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation |
| Mounjarotirzepatide | Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist | Same active ingredient as Zepbound; FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss | Weekly injection | Type 2 Diabetes | Varies by dose | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation |
| Phenterminephentermine HCl | CNS appetite suppressant | Increases norepinephrine in the brain to suppress appetite; FDA-approved since 1959 | Daily oral tablet | Weight Loss | ~5–7% of body weight | Dry mouth, insomnia, increased heart rate, restlessness |
| Contravenaltrexone / bupropion | Combination (opioid antagonist + antidepressant) | Targets the brain's reward and appetite centers; may be particularly helpful for emotional eating | Twice-daily oral tablet | Weight Loss | ~5–8% of body weight | Nausea, headache, constipation, insomnia, dry mouth |
| Orlistatorlistat (Xenical / Alli) | Lipase inhibitor | Blocks ~30% of dietary fat absorption in the gut; does not act on the central nervous system | Oral, 3× daily with meals | Weight Loss | ~5% of body weight | Oily stools, gas, frequent bowel movements |
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Detailed medication comparisons
Want to go deeper on a specific matchup? These guides break down two medications side by side — mechanism, efficacy, cost, insurance, and who is the best candidate for each.
Zepbound vs. Wegovy
A head-to-head comparison of the two most effective FDA-approved weight loss medications. Mechanism of action, clinical trial results, side effect profiles, and insurance coverage.
Wegovy vs. Ozempic
Both contain semaglutide, but they are approved for different conditions. Understand why Wegovy is the appropriate choice for weight loss and how it differs from Ozempic.
Zepbound vs. Mounjaro
Both are tirzepatide but approved for different indications. Learn the key differences between Zepbound for weight management and Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes.
Phentermine vs. Wegovy
The most affordable weight loss pill vs. the leading GLP-1 injection. Compare mechanism, efficacy, cost, insurance, and who is a better candidate for each.
Contrave vs. Wegovy
An oral combination medication vs. an injectable GLP-1. Compare how naltrexone/bupropion stacks up against semaglutide for different patient profiles.
All Medications Compared
Every FDA-approved weight loss medication at PEAK in one chart. Wegovy, Zepbound, phentermine, and Contrave compared across efficacy, cost, side effects, and insurance.
Phentermine vs. Zepbound
The most affordable oral option vs. the most effective injectable. Compare mechanism, efficacy, step therapy connection, and who benefits from each.
Contrave vs. Phentermine
Two oral medications with very different mechanisms. Compare naltrexone-bupropion vs. a sympathomimetic amine — costs, side effects, and best candidates for each.
How to Choose a Medication
Not sure which medication is right for you? This guide walks through the clinical factors — BMI, medical history, insurance, and treatment goals — that shape the decision.
Compare treatment models
Beyond medication choice, the way you receive care matters. These guides help you evaluate the differences between treatment approaches and provider models.
Telehealth vs. In-Person Weight Loss
Online weight loss programs are convenient, but do they deliver the same outcomes? We compare the clinical evidence for telehealth versus in-person medical weight loss care.
Medical Weight Loss vs. Surgery
Bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications are both effective. This guide compares outcomes, recovery, risks, and candidacy criteria to help you understand your options.
Is Compounded Tirzepatide Safe?
Compounded GLP-1 products are cheaper but not FDA-approved. This guide examines the FDA’s concerns and what the evidence says about safety risks.
Switching from Compounded GLP-1 to Brand-Name
Already using compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide and considering switching to an FDA-approved medication? This guide covers the transition process, dosing adjustments, and what to expect.
Medical Weight Loss vs. Diet Programs
Why clinical treatment produces fundamentally different results than commercial diet programs like WW, Noom, and keto plans. Evidence, outcomes, and when each approach makes sense.
Let us help you choose.
Your provider at PEAK will evaluate your health, insurance, and goals to recommend the right treatment for you.
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