Switching between weight loss medications like Zepbound and Wegovy can feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Both drugs help people shed pounds, yet they work a bit differently. This article offers a clear look at moving from Zepbound to Wegovy, including a handy conversion chart, user experiences, and tips—all in easy, everyday language.
What Are Zepbound and Wegovy?
Zepbound, from Eli Lilly, uses tirzepatide to target two hormones—GLP-1 and GIP. This dual action curbs hunger and boosts fullness, making it a strong choice for weight loss. It’s a weekly shot approved in 2023 for adults with obesity or related health issues.
Wegovy, made by Novo Nordisk, uses semaglutide and focuses on GLP-1 alone. It’s also a weekly injection, approved in 2021, and helps cut appetite. Both aim for long-term weight management with diet and exercise.
Why Switch From Zepbound to Wegovy?
People switch for different reasons. Some find Zepbound’s side effects—like nausea or diarrhea—too rough. Others hit a weight loss wall and want to try Wegovy’s approach.
Cost and supply play a role too. Zepbound can cost $550-$1,000 a month, and shortages happen. Wegovy’s price is close, but insurance or availability might make it easier to get.
How Switching Happens
Switching needs a doctor’s help. You typically stop Zepbound for 1-2 weeks to let it leave your system. Then, you start Wegovy at 0.25 mg, ramping up every four weeks to 2.4 mg.
This gradual start keeps side effects low. Going straight to a high dose can upset your stomach. Your doctor tailors the plan to your needs.
Zepbound to Wegovy Conversion Chart: Dose Basics
There’s no official chart matching Zepbound’s doses to Wegovy’s exactly—they’re different drugs. But doctors use rough guides based on how strong each feels. Here’s a simple look:
- Zepbound 2.5 mg ≈ Wegovy 0.25 mg (starting point)
- Zepbound 5 mg ≈ Wegovy 0.5-1 mg (early steps)
- Zepbound 10 mg ≈ Wegovy 1.7 mg (mid-range)
- Zepbound 15 mg ≈ Wegovy 2.4 mg (top dose)
This isn’t set in stone—your doctor adjusts based on how you’ve handled Zepbound. Always follow their advice.
What Studies Show
Zepbound’s SURMOUNT-1 trial showed 20.9% body weight loss (48 pounds) at 15 mg over 72 weeks. Wegovy’s STEP 1 trial hit 14.9% (about 35 pounds) at 2.4 mg in 68 weeks. Zepbound often edges out Wegovy in total loss.
Switching data is less clear—studies don’t directly compare transitions. But user reviews fill in the gaps. People switch and still see results, just at different paces.
Real Stories From Switchers
Users share their journeys online. One person on Zepbound’s 10 mg lost 40 pounds but stalled. After switching to Wegovy, they dropped 10 more pounds in two months on 1.7 mg.
Another went from Zepbound’s 5 mg to Wegovy’s 0.5 mg and felt hungrier at first. By 1 mg, their appetite settled. These tales show it’s a personal ride.
First Weeks on Wegovy
The switch can feel new. A Reddit user said Wegovy’s needle stung more than Zepbound’s but liked losing 4 pounds in a week. Side effects like nausea hit some harder early on.
Others notice less “food noise” right away. It takes a few weeks to adjust. Starting low helps your body ease in.
Side Effects: What Changes
Zepbound’s dual action can mean more stomach trouble—nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Wegovy sticks to GLP-1, so some report headaches instead. Reviews say it’s a trade-off.
One user had less vomiting on Wegovy after Zepbound’s rough patches. Another dealt with constipation on both. It depends on you.
Weight Loss After Switching
Results vary after switching. A forum post described losing 15 pounds in three months on Wegovy’s 2.4 mg after Zepbound’s 12.5 mg plateaued. Another saw just 5 pounds in a month—slower than before.
Wegovy’s average loss is lower than Zepbound’s peak. But breaking a stall can make it worth it. Your starting point and habits shape the outcome.
Adjusting to Wegovy’s Doses
Wegovy builds slowly: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, then 2.4 mg—each step lasts four weeks. Reviews say this cuts side effects compared to jumping high fast.
A user from Zepbound’s 15 mg started Wegovy at 0.5 mg and felt okay by week four. Rushing it can backfire. Take it step by step.
Cost and Supply Issues
Both drugs are pricey—Zepbound’s vials hit $550, pens over $1,000. Wegovy’s list price is $1,349, though savings cards drop it to $650 for some. Insurance can tip the scales.
Shortages plague both. Zepbound’s supply improved by 2025, but Wegovy’s heart benefits push demand. Check what’s available where you are.
Tips for a Smooth Switch
Switchers share advice. Drink lots of water—it helps with nausea, one said. Another sticks to small, protein-packed meals to feel full longer.
Track your progress—weight, side effects, everything. Tell your doctor what’s up. These habits keep you steady.
What Doctors Think
Experts see value in switching. Dr. Susan Spratt notes Wegovy’s heart perks—like lower stroke risk—might appeal. Zepbound’s bigger weight drop suits others.
They push that 1-2 week break before starting Wegovy. Regular check-ins spot issues early. Doctors tweak the Zepbound to Wegovy conversion chart for you.
When It Doesn’t Click
Switching flops for some. One user gained 3 pounds on Wegovy’s 1 mg after Zepbound’s 10 mg success. They switched back quick.
Another stalled at Wegovy’s 2.4 mg—less loss than Zepbound’s 7.5 mg. If it’s not working, your doctor might pivot. Options stay open.
Long-Term Goals
Wegovy can be a keeper. Stopping either drug risks regain—14% for Wegovy users a year off. A maintenance dose like 1.7 mg holds weight steady for some.
A user hit goal at 135 pounds on Wegovy after Zepbound. They plan to stay on low-dose Wegovy. It’s about finding balance.
Community Buzz
Online forums like Reddit’s r/Zepbound hum with switch tales. One user loved Wegovy’s energy boost over Zepbound’s fatigue. Others swap tips on shots.
X posts cheer new losses or grumble about costs. These groups lift you up. You’re part of a crowd figuring it out.
Why It’s Different for Everyone
No two switches match. A 300-pound user lost 20 pounds fast on Wegovy after Zepbound. A 180-pound one saw 5 pounds in a month.
Your body, dose history, and effort—like eating less—shift the results. The Zepbound to Wegovy conversion chart is a start, not a rule.
Deciding to Switch
Thinking it over? Look at side effects, costs, and what you want. One user picked Wegovy for insurance coverage. Another chased Zepbound’s bigger drop but flipped back.
Your doctor maps the doses and watches your back. Reviews hint at paths, but it’s your call. Pick what fits your life.
Summary
Switching from Zepbound to Wegovy is a personal choice, and reviews show it’s a mixed bag. The Zepbound to Wegovy conversion chart offers a rough guide—say, 5 mg to 0.5-1 mg or 15 mg to 2.4 mg—but doctors fine-tune it. Users report losing 5-15 pounds in months on Wegovy after Zepbound stalls, though some see less.
Side effects shift—less vomiting for some, more headaches for others. You stop Zepbound 1-2 weeks, start Wegovy low, and build up over months. Cost, supply, and goals drive the switch, with tips like hydration easing the way. It’s not one-size-fits-all—your doctor and patience make it work.
FAQ
Is there an official Zepbound to Wegovy conversion chart?
No, there’s no set chart since they’re different drugs. Doctors use rough matches—like 10 mg Zepbound to 1.7 mg Wegovy—based on your response.
How long before starting Wegovy after Zepbound?
You wait 1-2 weeks to clear Zepbound from your system. This cuts side effect risks—your doctor sets the exact time.
Do people lose more on Wegovy after switching?
Some do—10-15 pounds in months is common in reviews. But Zepbound’s 20.9% average beats Wegovy’s 14.9% overall.
Are side effects better on Wegovy?
It varies—some get less stomach trouble, others more headaches. Switching can ease or swap issues, depending on you.
What if switching doesn’t work?
You can go back to Zepbound or try another option. Tell your doctor—they’ll adjust based on what’s happening.