Comparing GLP-1 Options in 2025 — Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and Beyond

As GLP-1 medications become more accessible in 2025, patients and providers are asking an important question:

Which option is best for weight loss, metabolic health, and long-term results?

In this post, we’ll compare the top GLP-1 and dual/triple agonist therapies available now—or coming soon—including semaglutide, tirzepatide, and emerging options like CagriSema and Retatrutide. We’ll also touch on combination protocols that may enhance outcomes for specific patients.

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📊 Quick Comparison: GLP-1 Therapy Options in 2025

🧪 1.  Semaglutide (Ozempic® / Wegovy®)

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for both diabetes (Ozempic®) and weight loss (Wegovy®).

✔️ 

Pros:

• Weekly injection

• Strong weight loss and glycemic data

• Broad insurance coverage for diabetes

• Available in branded and some compounded forms (in rare, compliant use cases)

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Cons:

• Cost remains high without insurance

• Common side effects: nausea, bloating, constipation

• Slower ramp-up and weight loss than tirzepatide

 

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🧪 2.  Tirzepatide (Mounjaro® / Zepbound®)

Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, offering stronger weight loss effects than semaglutide in head-to-head studies.

✔️

Pros:

• Highest weight loss outcomes currently FDA-approved

• Dual hormone effect improves appetite regulation

• Weekly injection with flexible dosing

⚠️

Cons:

• Weight loss version (Zepbound®) may have limited insurance coverage

• Cost prohibitive for some patients

• GI effects can be more pronounced at higher doses

 

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🧪 3.  Liraglutide (Saxenda® / Victoza®)

An earlier-generation GLP-1, liraglutide is FDA-approved for both diabetes and weight loss. It requires daily dosing but may still be effective for certain patients.

✔️

Pros:

• Long safety record

• Lower cost and wider availability

• Used in combination protocols

⚠️

Cons:

• Daily injection may affect adherence

• Less weight loss than semaglutide or tirzepatide

• Can lead to earlier plateaus

 

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🧪 4.  Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)

Approved for diabetes, dulaglutide is a once-weekly GLP-1 that may support modest weight loss in certain patients.

✔️

Pros:

• Weekly injection

• Affordable with insurance

• Good starting option for metabolic support

⚠️

Cons:

• Limited data on significant weight loss

• May be less effective at suppressing appetite

• Some patients experience injection site irritation

 

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🔬 5.  CagriSema (Semaglutide + Cagrilintide – In Clinical Trials)

CagriSema is a dual therapy combining semaglutide (GLP-1) with cagrilintide, a long-acting amylin analogue. This therapy aims to mimic the natural synergy between GLP-1 and amylin in controlling appetite and glucose levels.

🧠 Early trial data shows:

• Greater weight loss than semaglutide alone

• Improved feelings of satiety

• Better glucose regulation

CagriSema is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, and if approved, may mark a major shift toward multi-hormone strategies.

 

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🔬 6.  Retatrutide (Triple Agonist – In Clinical Trials)

Retatrutide is a GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon receptor agonist that may offer the most potent weight loss to date. Early studies show weight reduction exceeding that of tirzepatide.

✔️ 

Mechanism:

• GLP-1: Reduces appetite

• GIP: Enhances insulin response

• Glucagon: Increases energy expenditure

Retatrutide is not yet FDA-approved but is being closely watched as a next-gen obesity and metabolic treatment.

 

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💊 Bonus: Custom Combination Protocols (Off-Label Use)

Some providers are beginning to explore off-label combination therapies when branded options are not accessible or when patients experience diminished results.

🧪 Common strategies include:

• GLP-1 + Pramlintide (FDA-approved amylin analogue)

• Liraglutide or Dulaglutide + Nutraceuticals (e.g., SLM+)

• Stacked dosing protocols to mitigate plateaus

These approaches are still under clinical evaluation and should be supervised by experienced medical professionals.

 

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📌 Final Takeaways for Providers & Patients

• Semaglutide and tirzepatide remain the top-tier FDA-approved options for most patients

• New therapies like CagriSema and Retatrutide may soon redefine the treatment landscape

• Liraglutide and dulaglutide still have roles—especially when cost, tolerance, or accessibility are factors

• Emerging combination protocols may help close the gap for patients who’ve plateaued or need a more tailored plan
  
  

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📄 Disclosures & Disclaimers

Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or modifying any medication or supplement.

Regulatory Disclaimer: Some therapies discussed are investigational or used off-label. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and may only be used when appropriate under federal and state guidelines.

Collaborative Disclosure: STAAR LABS collaborates with licensed providers and pharmacies to support ongoing research into combination therapies and nutraceutical protocols. These collaborations are designed to improve clinical understanding and patient outcomes.