Wegovy® vs. Zepbound®: How Kevin Lost 62 lbs by Switching Weight Loss Medications

For 8 years I struggled with being overweight. I tried the Insanity Workout videos, but my weight made them too difficult to complete. Even when I was mindful of what I ate, I always felt hungry, and every year I kept gaining more and more weight. I didn't know it at the time, but my weight loss journey would eventually become a real-world comparison of Wegovy® vs. Zepbound® — and what I learned along the way changed everything.

Why I Chose Prescription Weight Loss Medication

Working as an MTA bus driver, I saw many of my coworkers achieve astonishing results with weight loss medications, and some lost weight with bariatric surgery. Hearing them talk about how great they felt gave me the motivation I needed to finally address my own weight. My primary doctor referred me to New Jersey Bariatric Center® and I enrolled in their GLP-1 Program (MWL@NJBC), which included weight loss medications, exercise classes, and nutrition support.

I didn't start with the Wegovy® vs. Zepbound® question in mind. I just wanted to lose weight. But that comparison became the story of how I lost 62 lbs.

My Wegovy® Experience: 40 lbs Lost — But Not the Full Picture

I started with Wegovy® injections first. Wegovy® contains semaglutide, which works like the GLP-1 hormone our bodies naturally produce to regulate appetite. It sends signals to the brain to reduce hunger and slow digestion, so you eat less and feel fuller longer.

On Wegovy®, I lost 40 lbs — and that's nothing to overlook. But I noticed my body was slow to respond to it and my weight loss seemed to go up and down. Even at my max dose, I still felt somewhat hungry. I hadn't reached my goal, and I knew I had more to lose. That's when I spoke with my doctor about my concerns, and discussed other options. The real Wegovy® vs. Zepbound® decision came for me.

Why I Switched from Wegovy® to Zepbound®

When I hit my maximum dose on Wegovy® and my progress stalled, my care team at NJBC guided me toward Zepbound®. The switch made sense because Zepbound® works differently — while both medications target appetite and weight loss, Zepbound® contains tirzepatide, which activates two gut hormones, GIP and GLP-1, instead of just one.¹ That dual-action approach is what sets Zepbound® apart in the Wegovy® vs. Zepbound® comparison.

And I felt the difference. The food noise was more controlled. I felt less hungry. I lost an additional 22 lbs on Zepbound®, bringing my total to 62 lbs lost.

Wegovy® vs. Zepbound®: How They Actually Felt Different

Here's the honest comparison from someone who used both:

On Wegovy®, my appetite was reduced, but I still felt somewhat hungry. My weight loss wasn't always consistent, and I plateaued before reaching my goal. On Zepbound®, something shifted. Because it targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, I felt full faster and stayed full longer. The cravings quieted down in a way that Wegovy® alone didn't fully achieve for me.

Even today, I can look at a delicious meal and think "I can eat all of it" but in reality, I feel full after eating a fraction of it. Whether that's the right experience for everyone in the Wegovy® vs. Zepbound® debate is something only a medical team can help you figure out, but for me, the switch was the turning point.

How NJ Bariatric Center’s GLP-1 Program Supported Me Through Both Medications

One thing that made switching from Wegovy® to Zepbound® manageable was the support from NJBC throughout the entire process. They handled everything from scheduling follow-up appointments and providing nutrition guidance to monitoring my hunger levels and watching for serious side effects like pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, or low blood sugar.

The program includes virtual muscle preservation and nutrition classes which my wife and I attend regularly. Their classes helped me find new ways to exercise and build strength. Some of the muscle preservation classes even include boxing techniques. Since they are virtual, I am able to participate easily without having to drive to a location. It’s very convenient. The support classes also helped me while traveling with my medications, and it was great to be able to talk through weight loss topics openly with others going through the same journey.

My Life After Losing 62 lbs

Losing weight has improved my self-esteem. I'm happier and proud of the progress I've made and the healthy lifestyle changes I've adopted. I'm much more active today because I feel great. Since my weight loss, I love that I can tie my shoes easily and I sleep better at night.

If you're weighing Wegovy® vs. Zepbound® and wondering which one could work for you — I'd say don't try to figure it out alone. Find a program like MWL@NJBC that can meet you where you are and guide you through the process, just like they did for me.

What I Would Recommend for Others Considering Weight Loss Medication

My wife and I feel very lucky to have coverage for GLP-1 medication especially when we hear stories about how others struggle with weight loss medication access. In my opinion, being able to feel great, manage your weight and have the will power to eat healthy should be reason enough for all insurances to cover these medications for everyone. Ultimately, I’m grateful to have the NJBC team to support me throughout the insurance process, making it a smoother experience enrolling in their medical weight loss program.

I would definitely recommend New Jersey Bariatric Center® to anyone who asks. If you want to improve your life, this is the way to go. NJBC makes things even better with virtual appointments and are always just a phone call away. I thank NJBC for their support!

FAQs: Wegovy® vs. Zepbound®

• Is Zepbound® more effective than Wegovy®?

From my personal experience, Zepbound® worked better for me. After switching from Wegovy®, I felt less hungry and the food noise was more controlled. That said, results are different for everyone. On average, Wegovy® produces weight loss of 15–18% of body weight², while Zepbound® averages 16–20%¹ so the numbers reflect what I experienced too. But the right medication really depends on how your body responds, and working with a program like MWL@NJBC helped me find what worked best for me.

• Why do people switch from Wegovy® to Zepbound®?

For me, it came down to results. I hit my max dose on Wegovy® and my weight loss had plateaued. I still felt somewhat hungry and hadn't reached my goal. My care team at NJBC guided me through the switch to Zepbound®, and the difference was noticeable. While Wegovy® contains semaglutide and works on GLP-1 hormone receptors, Zepbound® contains tirzepatide and works on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. That dual action seemed to make all the difference in how full I felt and how well my appetite was controlled. Others might switch for different reasons — side effects, insurance coverage, or personal preference — but for me, it was about finding what could take me the rest of the way to my goal.

• Wegovy® vs. Zepbound®: Which is better for weight loss?

Honestly, I can only speak from my own experience — and for me, Zepbound® was the winner after already losing 40 lbs on Wegovy®. But "better" really depends on you. Both are FDA-approved injections that suppress appetite, slow stomach emptying, and support long-term weight management. The key difference is that Wegovy® targets one hormone (GLP-1) while Zepbound® targets two (GIP and GLP-1). New Jersey Bariatric Center® prescribes both, along with other FDA-approved options like Saxenda® and Qsymia® for those who qualify. The best thing you can do is talk to a medical team like NJBC who can look at your health history, your goals, and your response to medication to find the right fit.

• What is the difference between Zepbound® and Wegovy®?

Both Zepbound® and Wegovy® are weight loss injections that function in a similar way: they suppress appetite, slow down stomach emptying, alter hunger signaling pathways, and support long-term weight management. However, Wegovy® contains semaglutide, and Zepbound® contains tirzepatide. For a more detailed comparison, you can find additional information here.

• How much weight can you lose on Zepbound®?

The average weight loss is 16–20% of body weight². Results depend on a variety of factors including but not limited to adherence to clinical guidelines.

• How much weight can you lose on Wegovy®?

The average weight loss is 15–18% of body weight³. Results depend on a variety of factors including but not limited to adherence to clinical guidelines.

• Does insurance cover weight loss medication?

Insurance can cover weight loss medications, but it is tightly limited and each insurance plan has different coverage. Insurers look for patients who meet the qualifications for medical weight loss, such as a BMI greater than 30 with no obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea and PCOS, or a BMI greater than 27 with obesity-related conditions. Contact your insurance provider and ask if you have coverage for branded anti-obesity drugs.       

• Which prescription weight loss medication is best for me?

When deciding which weight loss medication is best for you, it's important to consider the average weight loss, side effects, whether you prefer injections or capsules, and any obesity-related conditions. New Jersey Bariatric Center® prescribes FDA-approved GLP-1 Wegovy® and Zepbound® injections, the GLP-1 Wegovy® Pill, Saxenda®, and Qsymia® for those who qualify.

Sources

1. Sabet, Katayoun. "How Zepbound Works for Weight Loss." WebMD, WebMD, 6 July 2024, www.webmd.com/obesity/zepbound-weight-loss. 
2. Aronne LJ, Sattar N, Horn DB, et al. Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction in Adults With Obesity: The SURMOUNT-4 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2024;331(1):38–48.
3. Fornes A, Huff J, Pritchard RI, Godfrey M. Once-Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Management: A Clinical Review. J Pharm Technol. 2022;38(4):239-246.
4. "Does Insurance Cover Prescription Weight Loss Injectables?" NAIC, National Association of Insurance Commissioners, 31 July 2024, content.naic.org/article/does-insurance-cover-prescription-weight-loss-injectables.