Compare Your Options
How the main approaches compare — results, effort, and cost at a glance.
Quick read · 2 min
Prescription Medications
Highest weight loss in trials
7–21% body weight
Cost/month
$$$$30–$1,350/mo
Weekly injection or daily pill
Doctor requiredDiet Changes
Foundation of all weight management
5–10% body weight
Cost/month
Free
Daily commitment
No doctor neededExercise
Best for muscle & long-term health
1–3% alone (more combined)
Cost/month
Free
150+ min/week
No doctor neededSupplements
Evidence varies widely
0.5–2 kg typical
Cost/month
$$10–$50/mo
Daily capsule
No doctor neededCosmetic Procedures
Body shaping after weight loss — not a weight loss treatment
Cost/month
$$$Varies
Procedure-based
Doctor requiredPrescription Medications
Highest weight loss in trials
7–21% body weight
Weekly injection or daily pill
$$$$30–$1,350/mo
Diet Changes
Foundation of all weight management
5–10% body weight
Daily commitment
Free
Exercise
Best for muscle & long-term health
1–3% alone (more combined)
150+ min/week
Free
Supplements
Evidence varies widely
0.5–2 kg typical
Daily capsule
$$10–$50/mo
Cosmetic Procedures
Body shaping after weight loss — not a weight loss treatment
Body shaping, not weight loss
Procedure-based
$$$Varies
Broad ranges from clinical evidence. Individual results vary. Cost figures are approximate list prices.
Approved medications compared
Scroll horizontally to compare all 7 options. Figures from pivotal clinical trials.
TirzepatideZepbound | Sema. (injection)Wegovy | Sema. (pill)Wegovy oral | LiraglutideSaxenda | Phent. / Top.Qsymia | Naltrex. / Buprop.Contrave | OrlistatAlli / Xenical | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight loss (trial avg) | Up to 20.9% | Up to 14.9% | Up to 16.6% | Up to 8% | Up to 9.8% | Up to 9.3% | Up to 6.9% |
| Real-world example | ~46 lbs (220 lb person) | ~33 lbs | ~37 lbs | ~18 lbs | ~22 lbs | ~20 lbs | ~15 lbs |
| How you take it | Weekly injection | Weekly injection | Daily pill | Daily injection | Daily capsule | Twice-daily tablet | 3× daily with meals |
| Approx. cost/month | $500–$1,100 | ~$1,350 | ~$149 | $1,000–$1,400 | $30–$250 | $100–$400 | $40–$400 |
| Prescription needed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Rx / OTC |
| FDA approved | 2023 | 2021 | 2025 | 2014 | 2012 | 2014 | 1999 / 2007 OTC |
| Detail page | Read more → | Read more → | Read more → | Read more → | Read more → | Read more → | Read more → |
All figures from published clinical trials at highest approved dose. Individual results vary considerably.
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Based on clinical trials · No rankings · Every claim linked to source
Last reviewed: March 2026
Medical disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.