The 2026 GLP-1 medication rankings

Independent, evidence-based reviews of every FDA-approved GLP-1 drug — for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. Compare effectiveness, side effects, dosing, and cost side by side.

Last updated May 2026 · 8 medications reviewed · No sponsored placements

See the rankings Compare side-by-side

Best GLP-1 medications, ranked

Ranking weights effectiveness (40%), safety profile (25%), real-world tolerability (15%), evidence base (10%), and access/cost (10%).

Rank	Drug	Type	Avg. weight loss	Approved for	Route	Score
1	Zepbound tirzepatide	GLP-1 / GIP dual	Up to ~21% (72 wks)	Chronic weight management	Injection (weekly)	9.6	Review →
2	Wegovy semaglutide	GLP-1	~15% (68 wks)	Chronic weight management	Injection (weekly)	9.2	Review →
3	Mounjaro tirzepatide	GLP-1 / GIP dual	~20% (off-label)	Type 2 diabetes	Injection (weekly)	9.0	Review →
4	Ozempic semaglutide	GLP-1	~6–14% (off-label)	Type 2 diabetes	Injection (weekly)	8.8	Review →
5	Rybelsus semaglutide (oral)	GLP-1	~3–5%	Type 2 diabetes	Oral (daily)	7.8	Review →
6	Saxenda liraglutide	GLP-1	~5–8%	Chronic weight management (adults and children 12+)	Injection (daily)	6.8	Review →
7	Victoza liraglutide	GLP-1	~3–6% (off-label)	Type 2 diabetes (adults and children 10+)	Injection (daily)	6.5	Review →
8	Trulicity dulaglutide	GLP-1	~3–6% (off-label)	Type 2 diabetes	Injection (weekly)	6.3	Review →

⚠️ Educational content only. GLP-1 medications carry boxed warnings and require a clinician's prescription and monitoring. Information here is sourced from FDA labels and peer-reviewed trials but does not replace medical advice.