Best GLP-1s Ranked: Efficacy, Side Effects & Cost

September 3, 2025

In this blog

What is GLP-1 and how does it work?

Week-by-Week breakdown

Tips and lessons from real users

The EARLY Perspective

Conclusion

About the Author

References

Ready to lose weight for good?

GLP-1 Weight Loss: Ranking Efficacy, Side Effects, and Cost

Struggling to lose weight despite dieting? You’re not alone. Over 225 million Indians are overweight. For many, GLP-1 medications are offering real, sustainable change. But with options like semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we rank GLP-1 medications in India by efficacy, side effects, and cost—so you can take the next step confidently.

What Are GLP-1 Medications and How Do They Work?

Before we dive into rankings, let’s quickly cover what GLP-1 medications are and how they help with weight loss. GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose and appetite. GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide and liraglutide) mimic this natural hormone. In simple terms, they make you feel full sooner and for longer, so you eat less. They also signal your pancreas to release insulin after meals, which is why they were first used for diabetes. This class of medicines, in use since the approval of exenatide in 2005, offers substantial weight loss benefits and effective glycemic control..

Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications have shown remarkable weight loss outcomes in clinical trials. They are now approved globally including India—for treating obesity. GLP-1s address the biological factors behind weight gain, offering hope to people who’ve struggled for years with stubborn fat. Importantly, GLP-1 weight loss treatments are not magic pills. They work best alongside healthy eating and exercise. You still have to put in the effort with lifestyle changes – but these medications can turbocharge your results by controlling that insatiable appetite and helping you stick to your plan. Early users often report feeling satisfied with smaller portions and fewer cravings, which lowers the daily battle of willpower. It’s a huge shift from the usual cycle of strict dieting and inevitable relapse that many of us know too well.

Ranked: GLP-1 Medications by Weight Loss Efficacy

When it comes to weight loss, results matter. Clinical trials have shown that GLP-1 medications can produce far greater losses than traditional diet-and-exercise alone. To put it in perspective, a comprehensive lifestyle program might lead to ~5-10% of body weight loss for a dedicated person (with some exceptional cases hitting higher numbers). By contrast, GLP-1 treatments are helping patients lose 15% or even 20%+ of their body weight – levels previously seen only with bariatric surgery. This is why doctors and researchers are so excited about them.

1. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)

Weight loss: Up to 21% of body weight in clinical trials

Dosing: Weekly injection, titrated gradually

Notes: Currently approved in India for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Results are often superior to other GLP-1s.

2. Semaglutide (Wegovy/Rybelsus)

Weight loss: Around 15% average reduction in body weight with injection, around 10% with oral semaglutide

Dosing: Weekly injection available in India for both diabetes and obesity, or daily oral tablet (Rybelsus) available for diabetes only

Notes:. Oral form is widely available and popular in India. Wegovy (injectable) one of the highest selling medicines in USA because of excellent weight loss results

3. Liraglutide (Saxenda/Victoza)

Weight loss: About 8% of body weight

Dosing: Daily injection

Notes: An older GLP-1 medication. Less effective than newer ones, many do not prefer because of daily pricks

4. Dulaglutide

Weight loss: Modest (5-6 kg)

Dosing: Weekly injection

Notes: Primarily used for diabetes. Not approved for obesity treatment.

Side Effects: What Should You Expect?

Most GLP-1 side effects are digestive and occur early:

Nausea (most common)
Vomiting or acid reflux
Constipation or diarrhea

These typically improve with time and slower dose increases. Serious risks like pancreatitis are rare but possible, in clinical studies rates of pancreatitis was not increased. Skin laxity (“Ozempic face”) may occur with rapid weight loss. GLP-1 medications are generally well-tolerated when titrated correctly. The Early team provides clinical guidance to minimize discomfort and ensure maximum benefit. Not everyone gets these effects – many people feel fine – but it’s important to be prepared. About 5-7% of recipients are forced to discontinue the medication due to gut issues. Recipients who stuck with their GLP-1 therapy for a full year lost ~12% of their body weight on average, whereas those who quit in the first 3 months lost only ~3.6%. This shows that patience pays off. With the right support and dose adjustments, many can push through the initial side effects and go on to succeed.

Managing side effects comes down to a few key things: start low and go slow with dosing, adjust your eating patterns (smaller, frequent meals; don’t overeat because the fullness will hit hard later), and keep your healthcare team in the loop. Programs like Early’s ensure you have nutritionists and doctors monitoring you, so if you feel crappy one week, you’ll get tips and possibly medicine for relief (like an anti-nausea pill). Most people find that after a month or two, the worst has passed. And when you start seeing the scale move and your clothes fit looser, it makes those early nausea days feel very worth it!

Cost: What Do GLP-1s Cost in India Today?

Cost is often the biggest barrier that keeps people from accessing GLP-1 weight loss medications. In the United States, these drugs have eye-watering prices – for example, Wegovy (weekly semaglutide) runs about $1,300 per month (roughly ₹1,00,000) if not covered by insurance. That’s over $15,000 (₹12+ lakh) a year, which puts it out of reach for most individuals. Analysts have noted that at current U.S. prices, GLP-1 drugs far exceed accepted thresholds for cost-effectiveness. Insurance coverage for obesity medication is improving slowly, but many plans still don’t cover these treatments because historically obesity wasn’t seen as a “disease” requiring medicine. This is changing, but not fast enough for people who need help today.

Pricing is often the biggest barrier. Here’s what Indian consumers can expect:

Rybelsus (oral semaglutide): ₹10,000–11,000/month
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): ₹14,000–27,500/month
Wegovy (injectable semaglutide): ₹ 17,345-26,015/month
Liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda): ₹5,000–10,000/month
Dulaglutide: ₹8,000/month (As of 12th August 2025)

Are Cheaper Versions Coming?

Yes. Indian companies like Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s, Zydus, and Cipla are preparing generic versions of injectable semaglutide. Prices may drop dramatically within 1–2 years. Early will offer safe access to generics as soon as they’re available.

Medication	Brands	Average Weight Loss	Common Side Effects	Dose	Approx (Monthly Cost)
Tirzepatide	Mounjaro (for diabetes and obesity)	★★★★☆ ~21%	Nausea, constipation, fatigue	Weekly injection	₹14,000–₹27,500
Semaglutide	Wegovy (for diabetes and obesity)	★★★★☆ ~15%	Nausea, bloating, reflux	Weekly injection	₹17,345–₹26,015
Liraglutide	Victoza, Lirafit (generic) (for diabetes)	★★★☆☆ ~8%	Nausea, injection site pain	Daily injection	₹5,000–₹10,000
Semaglutide (oral)	Rybelsus (for diabetes)	★★★★☆ ~10%	Nausea, bloating, fatigue	Daily pill	₹10,000–₹11,000

Achieving Enduring Results: The Synergy of Medication and Lifestyle (EarlyFit’s Approach)

Some FAQs regarding Surya Namaskara

You might be thinking, can I just rely on the shot and not change my habits? It’s a fair question. GLP-1 meds will reduce your appetite even if you don’t consciously diet – so yes, you’ll likely eat less without “trying.” Some people on these meds joke that it “makes you lazy” because you’re just not as interested in food or intense exercise. However, for long-term success, we strongly recommend combining medication with lifestyle changes.

GLP-1s reduce hunger, but lasting success comes from combining them with:

Nutrition guidance to eat better, not just less
Exercise support to build energy and fitness
Psychological coaching to handle stress and habits

That’s why Early’s program includes doctors, dietitians, and trainers—to help you turn short-term results into lasting change.

Which GLP-1 works best for weight loss?
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) has the highest weight loss. Semaglutide (Wegovy) follows closely.

Are side effects serious?
Mostly mild and digestive. Serious risks are rare and manageable with supervision.

Ready to Take the Next Step?
GLP-1 medications offer science-backed, sustainable weight loss—but they work best with expert care. If you’re ready to lose weight safely, with medical support and find a plan that fits your life, book Early’s Metabolic Diagnosis today. Let’s get started.

Disclaimer: GLP-1 medications should only be taken under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. At Early, we strongly advise against the use of any GLP-1 therapy without proper medical consultation, as unsupervised use may lead to adverse side effects or health complications.

About the Author

Dr. Saptarshi Bhattacharya

Dr. Saptarshi Bhattacharya is a nationally respected endocrinologist with over 25 years of experience, and brings unparalleled clinical expertise and academic depth to our mission of transforming weight loss in India through medications and holistic care.

Currently consulting at Apollo Hospitals, and formerly associated with Max Super Speciality Hospitals and AIIMS, with 120+ research publications across diabetes, thyroid disorders, PCOS, and metabolic syndromes, Dr. Bhattacharya has always helped shape the national conversation on endocrine health.