Weight Loss Injections

The weight-loss “shots” everyone’s talking about are GLP-1 medications. Here’s which injections actually work, how they’re used, where to get them, and what they cost in 2026.

Verified Jun 2026 · re-checked monthlyBy the GLP1Zoom editorial teamWe compare, we don’t sell

The short answer

The weight-loss injections that work are GLP-1 medications: semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro), plus liraglutide (Saxenda). They’re weekly (or daily) self-injections that reduce appetite, delivering 15–21% average weight loss. You get them by prescription — increasingly via online telehealth, no local clinic needed.

Key takeaways

Weight-loss injections = GLP-1 receptor agonists (they mimic a gut hormone to cut appetite).
FDA-approved for weight: Wegovy (semaglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide), Saxenda (liraglutide); Ozempic & Mounjaro are the same molecules approved for diabetes.
Average trial weight loss: ~22.5% Zepbound, ~14.9% Wegovy, ~8% Saxenda (means, with lifestyle support).
Cost: ~$1,000–$1,350/mo list, but ~$299–$349/mo via manufacturer self-pay or $0–$25/mo with a covered savings card.
All are prescription-only — a clinician (in person or telehealth) decides if one is right for you.

Which injection is strongest? →Project your results →

GLP-1 weight-loss injections compared
Injection	Active drug	Frequency	Notes
Wegovy	semaglutide	Weekly	FDA-approved for weight loss; ~15% average loss
Zepbound	tirzepatide	Weekly	Most effective; ~21% average loss
Ozempic	semaglutide	Weekly	Approved for type 2 diabetes; used off-label for weight
Mounjaro	tirzepatide	Weekly	Diabetes twin of Zepbound
Saxenda	liraglutide	Daily	Older daily GLP-1 for weight loss

How weight-loss injections work

GLP-1 injections mimic a gut hormone that signals fullness and slows stomach emptying, so you eat less and feel satisfied longer; tirzepatide adds a second hormone (GIP) for a stronger effect. The result is steady, significant weight loss when paired with nutrition and activity. More in how GLP-1 medications work.

How often you inject

Most are a once-weekly self-injection (Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro); Saxenda is daily. Your clinician sets the dose and a gradual titration schedule to limit side effects — see a sample dosing chart.

Where to get weight-loss injections

You don’t need a local clinic — licensed telehealth providers prescribe online across all 50 states and ship to you. See GLP-1 near me / online and compare providers.

What they cost

Brand self-pay now runs from $299–$449/month (Zepbound) and ~$349/month (Wegovy), and insurance can be lower. Compare every route in cheapest GLP-1 and self-pay prices.

Compare GLP-1 injection providers

Common questions about weight loss injections

What weight-loss injections actually work?

The injections with proven results are GLP-1 (and GLP-1/GIP) medications: semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro), plus older liraglutide (Saxenda). In trials these deliver about 15–21% average body-weight loss. They are prescription medications, not over-the-counter products.

What is "the weight loss shot" everyone talks about?

"The weight loss shot" almost always means a GLP-1 injection — usually semaglutide (Wegovy, or Ozempic used off-label) or tirzepatide (Zepbound). There is no single product officially named "the weight loss shot": it's a nickname for this class of once-weekly prescription injections. If someone offers a "weight loss shot" that isn't one of these FDA-approved medications (e.g., unbranded vials with no prescription), treat it as a red flag.

Which is the best weight-loss injection?

By average weight loss, tirzepatide (Zepbound) leads at about 21%, followed by semaglutide (Wegovy) at about 15%. The “best” for you also depends on side effects, cost, insurance, and your health — see our best-GLP-1 comparison.

How often do you take weight-loss injections?

Most modern GLP-1 weight-loss injections (Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro) are taken once a week as a self-administered injection. Saxenda (liraglutide) is taken once daily. Your clinician sets the dose and titration schedule.

Can I get weight-loss injections online?

Yes. Licensed telehealth providers evaluate you online and, if appropriate, prescribe GLP-1 injections in all 50 states with home delivery — no local clinic required. A prescription is always needed; avoid any seller offering injections without one.

About this guidance

Efficacy reflects pivotal trials (SURMOUNT-1 tirzepatide ~21%, STEP-1 semaglutide ~15%); pricing reflects 2026 manufacturer self-pay. Educational only, not medical advice. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.