GLP-1 Dose Equivalence Chart: Every Medication Compared
The definitive dose equivalence reference for all GLP-1 medications — semaglutide, tirzepatide, and orforglipron. Based on clinical trial data.
Approximate Dose Equivalence Table
Based on similar weight loss efficacy in clinical trials:
| Efficacy Tier | Ozempic | Wegovy | Zepbound | Foundayo | Rybelsus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 0.25mg | 0.25mg | 2.5mg | 0.8mg | 3mg |
| Low | 0.5mg | 0.5mg | 5mg | 2.5mg | 7mg |
| Medium | 1.0mg | 1.0mg | 7.5mg | 5.5-9mg | 14mg |
| High | 2.0mg | 1.7mg | 10mg | 14.5mg | — |
| Maximum | — | 2.4mg | 15mg | 17.2mg | — |
⚠️ Important caveats:
- These are approximate equivalences based on weight loss efficacy, not pharmacological equivalence
- Different mechanisms mean different receptor activation patterns — a "dose equivalent" doesn't mean identical effects
- Individual response varies significantly
- Always start at the lowest dose when switching, regardless of this chart
Why There's No Direct Dose Conversion
Comparing GLP-1 doses directly is like comparing ibuprofen to acetaminophen — similar purpose, but different drugs with different potencies.
- Semaglutide vs tirzepatide: Different mechanisms (GLP-1 only vs GIP/GLP-1 dual)
- Semaglutide vs orforglipron: Full agonist vs partial agonist
- Injectable vs oral: Vastly different bioavailability (oral semaglutide absorbs ~1%)
The equivalence chart above is based on clinical outcomes (how much weight patients lose), not on receptor binding or blood levels.
Quick Medication Profiles
Ozempic (semaglutide, injectable): Weekly injection. Doses: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0mg. FDA-approved for diabetes, widely used off-label for weight loss.
Wegovy (semaglutide, injectable + oral): Available as weekly injection (up to 2.4mg) or daily pill. FDA-approved for weight management. The injectable provides higher efficacy.
Zepbound (tirzepatide, injectable): Weekly injection. Doses: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15mg. Dual GIP/GLP-1. Highest efficacy (~22.5% weight loss at max dose).
Mounjaro (tirzepatide, injectable): Same drug as Zepbound. FDA-approved for diabetes. Same doses.
Foundayo (orforglipron, oral): Daily pill. Doses: 0.8, 2.5, 5.5, 9, 14.5, 17.2mg. GLP-1 partial agonist. No food restrictions. Lowest cost.
Rybelsus (semaglutide, oral): Daily pill. Doses: 3, 7, 14mg. Requires 30-min fasting. FDA-approved for diabetes.
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Switch
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Citations
- SUSTAIN Clinical Trials (semaglutide — Ozempic data)
- STEP Clinical Trials (semaglutide — Wegovy data)
- SURMOUNT Clinical Trials (tirzepatide — Zepbound data)
- SURPASS Clinical Trials (tirzepatide — Mounjaro data)
- ATTAIN Clinical Trials (orforglipron — Foundayo data)
- PIONEER Clinical Trials (oral semaglutide — Rybelsus data)
- FDA Prescribing Information for all listed medications
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