FDA-approved weight loss medication
Weight loss medication, chosen with a physician
Four FDA-approved GLP-1 medications lead modern weight management. Here's how they compare — efficacy, form, and cost — and how a licensed physician helps you pick the right one.
Last clinically reviewed: July 16, 2026 by Dr. Prajeet Reddy, MD (Medical Director)
$29/mo membership · no contracts · no charge if not prescribed
FDA-approved options through Imbue
Once-daily oral pill — no food or water restrictions
11% avg. weight loss in trials* · $178/mo all-in with membership
Once-daily oral pill (empty stomach, ≤120 mL water, 30-min wait)
13.6% avg. weight loss in trials* · $178/mo all-in with membership
Once-weekly injection (pre-filled pen)
15% avg. weight loss in trials* · $228/mo all-in with membership
Once-weekly injection (single-use vial + syringe)
22% avg. weight loss in trials* · $328/mo all-in with membership
*Average results from clinical trials of adults with BMI ≥30, or ≥25 with weight-related conditions, alongside diet and exercise. Individual results vary. Medication purchased separately at manufacturer cash-pay pricing.
How the FDA-approved options compare
All four medications work on GLP-1 pathways that regulate appetite; Zepbound® adds a second pathway (GIP). The practical differences: form (weekly injection vs daily tablet), trial efficacy (11%–22% average weight loss), and monthly cost ($149–$449 by medication and dose).
What they share: every one is FDA-approved, brand-name, and shipped from the manufacturer's own pharmacy (NovoCare or LillyDirect) when prescribed through Imbue. No compounded substitutes, ever.
- Zepbound® (tirzepatide) — strongest trial results: up to 22%; weekly injection; from $299/mo
- Wegovy® (semaglutide) — most prescribed: 15% in STEP 1; weekly injection; from $199/mo
- Oral Wegovy® (semaglutide) — first GLP-1 tablet: 13.6%; daily pill; from $149/mo
- Foundayo™ (orforglipron) — no food/water rules: 11%; daily pill; from $149/mo
Prescription medication vs over-the-counter supplements
Over-the-counter "weight loss pills" are supplements — not FDA-approved to treat obesity, and not comparable in evidence. Prescription GLP-1s went through multi-year randomized trials with thousands of patients. If a product doesn't require a prescription, it isn't in this category.
Prescription treatment also means physician oversight: dose escalation, side-effect management, and drug-interaction review — all included in Imbue's $29/month membership.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective weight loss medication?
In clinical trials, Zepbound® (tirzepatide) posted the highest average weight loss — up to 22% over 72 weeks — and outperformed semaglutide head-to-head in SURMOUNT-5. Individual results vary, and the best medication for you depends on your health history.
How do I get weight loss medication prescribed?
Through Imbue: complete a 5-minute online assessment, a licensed physician reviews your health history, and where clinically appropriate prescribes — often within 48 hours. Eligibility generally starts at BMI 30, or 25+ with a weight-related condition; the physician makes the final call.
What does weight loss medication cost without insurance?
Through Imbue: medication from $149/month (Foundayo™ or Oral Wegovy®) up to $449/month (highest Zepbound® doses) at manufacturer cash-pay prices, plus $29/month membership — $178–$478/month all-in.
Are these the same as Ozempic®?
Ozempic® is semaglutide approved for type 2 diabetes; Wegovy® is the same molecule approved for weight management. If you're seeking Ozempic® for weight loss, Wegovy® is the on-label path — see our Ozempic® alternative guide.
See if you qualify — free
A licensed physician reviews your health history, usually within 48 hours. $29/mo membership only if prescribed — the lowest fee in GLP-1 telehealth. Cancel anytime.