Trulicity vs. Ozempic: Which Provides Better, Faster Weight Loss Results?
While both are GLP-1 medications, doctors say there's one clear winner
With so many different GLP-1 medications on the market, it can be hard to determine the best one to manage your blood sugar and aid weight loss. Two popular options? Ozempic and Trulicity. While both are effective GLP-1 drugs, one stands out as a clear winner when it comes to faster and more effective weight loss results. Woman’s World spoke to GLP-1 experts to get the details on Trulicity vs Ozempic, including how they work, how much they cost and which might be right for you.
In This Article
Both Trulicity and Ozempic are GLP-1 receptor agonists
Both Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are GLP-1 receptor agonists that work the same way. “They slow the movement of food through the stomach, so people stay satisfied for longer after a meal. They also alter the energy storage balance in the brain, making it easier to lose weight,” says Megahan Garcia-Webb, MD, a triple board-certified physician specializing in obesity medicine and producer of the YouTube series Weight Medicine with Dr. Meghan.
Dr. Garcia-Webb also explains Trulicity and Ozempic’s effect on the brain:
They often affect the reward circuitry in the brain, so food is less entertaining.
GLP-1 agonists also profoundly affect blood sugar regulation. “In the pancreas, GLP-1 receptor agonists promote more effective insulin secretion after a meal,” she adds. “They also decrease the amount of glucagon that the pancreas secretes. Glucagon is responsible for telling the liver to release stored sugar.”
Ozempic typically works faster than Trulicity
Obesity medicine physician Michael L. Glickman, MD, says “semaglutide [Ozempic] tends to provide quicker and more noticeable results compared to dulaglutide [Trulicity]. Patients often report more significant weight loss and better blood sugar control within the first few weeks of starting semaglutide.”
That’s not to say Ozempic is always better than Trulicity. “While dulaglutide is effective, the magnitude and speed of its effects may be more gradual. The difference in outcomes is likely due to semaglutide’s higher efficacy and its ability to more robustly influence appetite and glucose regulation, “explains Dr. Glickman.
People lose more weight with Ozempic than Trulicity
“In general, people on semaglutide [Ozempic] can anticipate losing about 12-15 percent bodyweight on average,” Dr. Garcia-Webb says. “We don’t have terrific data on people who are taking dulaglutide [Trulicity] for weight but not diabetes, but I would say a very good result would be a 10-pound weight loss.”
Dr. Glickman adds that overall, you should expect to lose more weight when taking Ozempic vs. Trulicity: “Weight loss with Trulicity (dulaglutide) is typically more modest compared to Ozempic (semaglutide),” he says. “Clinical studies show that diabetic patients using dulaglutide lose around eight to 11 pounds of their body weight, while those without type 2 diabetes using semaglutide can achieve weight loss of 15 percent or more, especially at higher doses approved for weight management.”
The greater efficacy of semaglutide (Ozempic) makes it the preferred choice for patients focused on significant weight loss.
Both medications provide lasting results
Because semaglutide often works faster, it’s the preferred option for GLP-1 patients. “Both dulaglutide [Trulicity] and semaglutide [Ozempic] are relatively easy to stick with long-term due to their once-weekly dosing, which improves adherence compared to daily medications,” Dr. Glickman notes. “However, patient preference often favors semaglutide because of its superior weight loss and glycemic control outcomes, which can enhance motivation to continue treatment.”
Getting approved for Trulicity vs. Ozempic
While both Trulicity and Ozempic are FDA-approved to treat type-2 diabetes, Ozempic is also prescribed off-label for chronic weight management. “Both medications require a prescription, and eligibility depends on a patient’s medical history and treatment goals,” Dr. Glickman says. “Dulaglutide and semaglutide are prescribed for type 2 diabetes management, and semaglutide [in the form of Wegovy] is also approved for chronic weight management in patients with a BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with weight-related comorbidities.”
Trulicity vs. Ozempic costs
Whether your doctor recommends Ozempic or Trulicity, expect a hefty price tag if you don’t have insurance or if your plan doesn’t cover the medication. “In terms of cost, out of pocket they can both be over $1,000 per month,” Dr. Garcia-Webb says. “But sometimes, there are coupons that can lower the price, and Eli Lilly has a direct pharmacy that can sometimes get costs lower for people paying for Trulicity.” (Learn more about how to get Ozempic for $25 or less here.)
Dr. Glickman says that while you should expect to pay up to $1,400 monthly without insurance, there are cheaper options if you’re on a budget: “Assistance programs or manufacturer discounts may help reduce costs, and there are compounded options available at lower costs,” he notes.
Trulicity vs. Ozempic insurance coverage
One of the main challenges with GLP-1 medication is getting approved for insurance. Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, and insurance coverage depends on a few factors. “Both dulaglutide [Trulicity] and semaglutide [Ozempic] are generally covered for diabetes management,” Dr. Glickman notes. “But coverage for semaglutide’s weight-loss formulation Wegovy may be more limited, depending on the insurance provider and plan. Patients should check their benefits to confirm coverage and explore prior authorization requirements if needed.”
Dr. Garcia-Webb adds that even if you meet certain qualifications, your insurance still may not cover the medication. “It’s going to be much easier for someone with type 2 diabetes to get either medication approved by insurance,” she says. “People who don’t have diabetes, who have a BMI of 27 and above and at least one weight-related medical issue meet FDA criteria for the medication, but that doesn’t always mean their insurance will cover it.”
What to expect if you're taking Trulicity or Ozempic
Side effects for each medication are largely patient-dependent, according to Dr. Garcia-Webb. “Reactions between GLP-1 receptor agonists can vary widely—I’ve had patients who really can’t tolerate one, but do just fine on another. It’s rare that I have a patient discontinue the medication. But if they do, it’s usually due to gastrointestinal side effects.”
Dr. Glickman says: “Side effects such as nausea may impact adherence for some patients, but these are generally manageable with both medications.”
And while “Ozempic probably works a little bit better at lowering blood sugar and promoting more weight loss, Trulicity tends to have fewer side effects,” adds Brynna Connor, MD, Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWestPharmacy.com
Should you consider compounded meds?
Many telehealth providers offer compounded GLP-1 medication due to drug shortages and insurance complications. However, the experts we spoke to do not recommend them. Dr. Garcia-Webb says, “I don’t recommend compounded versions because they bypass the standard precautions, and there is no guarantee they are safe, not to mention effective. There are many oral and injectable options now that are FDA-approved, so it’s best to stick with medications that have been assessed by the standard safety/efficacy channels.”
If you do decide to use a compounded medication, make sure you work with a qualified medical provider. You can learn more about the benefits and risks of compounding pharmacies here.
Most experts recommend Ozempic over Trulicity
Because side effects are manageable with both medications, experts generally prefer Ozempic over Trulicity. “I will always choose semaglutide [Ozempic] for weight loss over dulaglutide [Trulicity], if access and cost are equal,” Dr. Garcia-Webb says. “Dulaglutide I will think about if it’s the only GLP-1 RA their insurance will cover, but I don’t have as high expectations. Still, sometimes it’s worth a try for the right patient.”
Dr. Glickman agrees, adding, “Trulicity and Ozempic are both effective tools for managing type 2 diabetes, but semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) stands out for its superior efficacy in both glycemic control and weight loss. Trulicity may be a good option for patients primarily focused on blood sugar management,” but Dr. Glickman says:
Ozempic is often the better choice for those seeking significant weight loss alongside diabetes treatment.
Woman’s World wants to hear YOUR experiences with Trulicity vs Ozempic, or your experiences with prescription weight loss or telehealth in general. Email us at reviews@womansworld.com—we’d love to talk to you.
FAQs
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Which is better, Trulicity or Ozempic?
According to the GLP-1 experts we spoke to, Ozempic tends to produce better results than Trulicity. However, some people have less side effects with Trulicity than Ozempic.
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How fast do you lose weight on Trulicity?
Weight loss for Trulicity is typically more modest than Ozempic. Diabetic patients can expert to lose 8 to 11 pounds of their body weight, according to clinical studies.
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