GLP-1 weight loss medications continue to gain popularity due to their effectiveness as a weight loss aid. How do you choose which weight loss medication is right for you?

All forms of GLP-1 medications currently available have been clinically proven to help people lose weight. Consider your preferences and your budget to choose the best option for you.

Learn more here about GLP-1 medication Mounjaro® and its alternatives in head-to-head comparisons.

What is Mounjaro^®?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an injectable medicine prescribed to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.¹ It belongs to a class of medications called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It works by increasing insulin available and decreasing glucagon, a hormone that controls the amount of glucose the liver makes. Mounjaro also works by slowing food movement through the stomach to decrease appetite and aid in weight loss.²

Mounjaro is a weekly injection administered with a preloaded automatic pen. Dosing is usually increased incrementally and can be in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg.³ The average retail cost of Mounjaro without insurance is just over $1,000 per month.⁴

The brand Mounjaro is only FDA approved for treating diabetes. However, under the brand name Zepbound® and in compounded forms, tirzepatide is prescribed as a weight loss aid.⁵ Research shows promising results for tirzepatide as a weight loss aid. In one clinical study, participants lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight after using tirzepatide for 72 weeks.⁶

Common side effects of Mounjaro include:⁷

• Nausea.

• Diarrhea.

• Decreased appetite.

• Vomiting.

• Constipation.

• Upset stomach.

What are alternative GLP-¹ medications used for weight loss?

Alternative GLP-1 medications to Mounjaro are available for weight loss, including name brands and compounded versions. Compare the medications below to gain a deeper understanding of the options.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, belongs to the class of medications called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. There are three main types of tirzepatide currently available: Mounjaro, Zepbound and compounded tirzepatide.

Under the brand name Mounjaro®, injectable tirzepatide is prescribed to lower blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Under the brand name Zepbound, injectable tirzepatide is prescribed for weight loss in individuals with obesity. It supports weight loss by slowing food movement through digestion and reducing appetite.⁸

Compounded tirzepatide is prescribed as a weekly injection and a daily oral tablet. It is produced by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy instead of the brand-name manufacturer. The active ingredient in compounded tirzepatide is the same as in the name brands.

Tirzepatide has been clinically proven to aid weight loss. In one study, participants lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight after 72 weeks.⁹

Some common side effects of tirzepatide include:¹⁰

• Nausea.

• Diarrhea.

• Decreased appetite.

• Vomiting.

• Constipation.

• Upset stomach.

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist prescribed to lower blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes and to aid weight loss in individuals with obesity. The semaglutide brand Ozempic® is FDA approved to treat type 2 diabetics, and the brand Wegovy® is approved for weight loss.¹¹ Semaglutide is also available as a daily oral pill under the brand name RYBELSUS®.

Compounded semaglutide is produced in a state-licensed compounding pharmacy instead of by a brand-name manufacturer. It is available as a weekly injection and a daily oral tablet.

Semaglutide aids weight loss by slowing gastric emptying and reducing appetite. In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, participants lost an average of 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks of semaglutide use.¹²

Some common side effects of semaglutide include:¹³

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Diarrhea.

• Abdominal pain.

• Constipation.

• Heartburn.

• Burping.

Liraglutide

Liraglutide is a once-daily injectable medication prescribed to lower blood sugar for type 2 diabetics and as a weight loss aid. It belongs to a class of medications called incretin mimetics. It slows gastric emptying and decreases appetite to help users lose weight.¹⁴

Saxenda® is a liraglutide brand prescribed for weight management.¹⁵ Under the brand name Victoza® liraglutide is prescribed to manage blood sugar for type 2 diabetics.¹⁶

In one clinical study of liraglutide, nearly 63% of participants lost more than 10% of their body weight over 52 weeks.¹⁷

Some common side effects of liraglutide include:¹⁸

• Headache.

• Constipation.

• Heartburn.

• Runny nose, sneezing or cough.

• Tiredness.

• Difficulty urinating, or pain or burning during urination.

• Injection site rash or redness.

Tirzepatide Alternatives to Mounjaro

Review head-to-head comparisons of tirzepatide alternatives to Mounjaro.

Zepbound vs. Mounjaro

Compounded Tirzepatide vs. Mounjaro

Semaglutide Alternatives to Mounjaro

Review head-to-head comparisons of semaglutide alternatives to Mounjaro.

Wegovy vs. Mounjaro

Compounded Semaglutide vs. Mounjaro

Liraglutide Alternatives to Mounjaro

Review head-to-head comparisons of liraglutide alternatives to Mounjaro.

Saxenda vs. Mounjaro

Mounjaro Alternatives Comparison Chart

How RedBox Rx can help

RedBox Rx provides convenient, affordable telehealth services and prescription treatments for weight loss.

Benefits of RedBox Rx include:

• Compounded tirzepatide injections starting at $429 per month and oral dissolvable tablets starting at $397 per month.

• Compounded semaglutide injections and oral dissolvable tablets starting at $189 per month with a six-month subscription.

• Flat-rate, no intro pricing — no cost increase based on dosage.

• Online consultations with a U.S. licensed medical professional included in subscription price.

• Unlimited provider follow-ups through messaging or video.

• One FREE dietitian service overview session.

• No insurance required. HSA and FSA eligible.

• Free express shipping — get meds in five to seven days.

Start your weight loss journey today with an easy, quick online assessment to see if you qualify.