Best GLP-1 for Weight Loss: The 2026 Rankings
By weight loss percentage, by cost, by safety record, and by overall fit — our complete 2026 GLP-1 rankings.
Get Top GLP-1 — From $179/mo →By Average Weight Loss
- Retatrutide (pipeline) — ~24% in Phase 2. Not yet approved.
- Zepbound / tirzepatide — ~21% (SURMOUNT-1)
- Mounjaro — ~22% off-label (same drug)
- Wegovy / semaglutide — ~15% (STEP-1)
- Ozempic — ~13-15% off-label
- Saxenda / liraglutide — ~5-8%
By Cost (Cash-Pay Without Insurance)
- Compounded semaglutide — $179/mo all-in via online providers
- Compounded tirzepatide — $249/mo
- Zepbound vials via LillyDirect — $349/mo
- Generic liraglutide — ~$450/mo
- Branded Wegovy/Zepbound — $1,069-1,349/mo
By Insurance Coverage
- Ozempic (best diabetes coverage)
- Wegovy (improving weight-loss coverage)
- Mounjaro (good T2D coverage)
- Zepbound (newer; varying coverage)
- Saxenda/Victoza (older; widely covered)
By Use Case
| Goal | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Maximum weight loss | Tirzepatide (Zepbound) |
| Cheapest path | Compounded semaglutide ($179/mo) |
| Established CV disease | Wegovy (SELECT trial) |
| Sleep apnea + obesity | Zepbound (2024 indication) |
| Type 2 diabetes | Ozempic or Mounjaro |
| Oral preference | Rybelsus (now); orforglipron (2026) |
| Thyroid cancer history | Non-GLP-1: Contrave or Qsymia |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest GLP-1?
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) at ~21-22% body weight loss. Pipeline drug retatrutide showed ~24% in Phase 2 — strongest of all once approved (~2026).
Best online GLP-1 program?
For cash-pay value: compounded semaglutide via licensed online providers ($179/mo). For insurance + branded drug: Mochi Health, Ro Body Program, or your existing doctor.
Best GLP-1 for weight loss with insurance?
Wegovy or Zepbound — whichever your formulary prefers. Both are FDA-approved for weight loss with strong trial data. Copays typically $25-100/mo when covered.