Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide? Experts Explain Key Differences Between Weight Loss Treatments

Results and side effects from medications are based on their chemical makeup, and how your body reacts to it, which is why tirzepatide and semaglutide medications impact people differently. Tirzepatide medications stimulate the production of both the GLP-1 hormone and the GIP hormone (“glucosedependent insulinotropic polypeptide”), which break down insulin and suppress appetite. Semaglutide medications, on the other hand, solely mimic the GLP-1 hormone, and they mainly break down insulin.

“Tirzepatide works so well because it activates two appetite receptors,” triple-board certified medical weight-loss doctor, Sue Decotiis, MD tells Woman’s World. “In my practice, I’ve also seen fewer gastrointestinal side effects with Tirzepatide. This is why Tirzepatide is a better appetite suppressor and there’s more fat loss.”

Even though both medications are injectable, they are not administered in the same way. Dr. HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, pharmacist and clinical consultant for BuzzRx, explains what this means: “While both semaglutide and tirzepatide are administered by injection, they have different dosage schedules, rates of occurrence for potential side effects and costs,” she explains. Milligrams per tirzepatide dosages, for example, are significantly higher.

“They also tend to come with fewer side effects—and each dose is more expensive.” See the charts, below, to see how Dr. Ngo-Hamilton might prescribe doses of tirzepatide vs. semaglutide medications to her patients.

Weight Loss

Who Is Eligible for Ozempic? Your Guide to Getting Prescription GLP-1s

When the medications were developed, only people with diabetes could get a prescription for injectable GLP-1 medications. This specific class of medications help the body produce more insulin, and therefore, control blood sugar levels. However, since 2014 GLP-1s have been approved as an obesity treatment, with more and more evidence that GLP-1 medications are beneficial […]

Dr. Decotiis generally opts for tirzepatide medications, which include Mounjaro and Zepbound. Statistically, she tells us, her patients have lost more weight for longer periods of time: “In my practice, I often use Tirzepatide,” Dr. Decotiis says. “Studies show patients tend to lose more weight on this drug while patients on semaglutide hit a wall after six to eight months.”

Weight loss patients often complain about the side effects of GLP-1 medications. Nausea, vomiting and constipation are only a few uncomfortable symptoms that tend to arise from these types of medications. “Some studies have shown that tirzepatide is more effective for significant weight loss but requires a higher dosage to achieve that advantage,” Dr. Ngo-Hamilton says. “It also typically has a higher rate of negative gastrointestinal side effects.”

For best results, opt for weight loss-approved medications

Even though many name brand GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro are popular for weight loss, they may not be as effective. Dr. Ngo-Hamilton says that without having FDA approval to treat weight loss — just Type 2 diabetes — it’s technically “off-label use.” That means a provider is prescribing a medication to treat something it isn’t meant to treat. Even though this is quite common, effectiveness can vary.

“If weight management is your main objective, Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound may be more appropriate,” she explains. “However, suppose you are interested in weight loss but also have type-2 diabetes. In that case, anti-diabetic medication like Ozempic may give you more bang for your buck.”

Newer Treatments May Also Be Better Than Older Ones

With GLP-1s on the rise, increased research is resulting in newer, more effective medications. That said, staying up-to-date on new information is key. Dr. Decotiis recommends opting for newer medications, rather than older, less popular varieties. “I generally wouldn’t prescribe some of the older ones like liraglutide,” she tells us. “They don’t work as well for weight loss and they aren’t popular so they’re hard to find in pharmacies.”

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Dr. Decotiis reminds us that that while selecting a medication, you will want review goals, health history and diet with a doctor. The wrong nutrients and lifestyle choices could result in side effects and inconsistent results: “It’s critical that individuals receive their own personalized weight-loss plan and are carefully monitored by a doctor. It’s important that you’re getting the proper amount of nutrients and water so that the drug actually works properly,” she says.

“If you don’t drink enough water or eat enough, you won’t be losing fat and you will gain the weight back after you stop using the drug.”

Remember to disclose your health history

Because each medication is different, they can impact you differently based on your age, health conditions, and other medications you may be taking. Therefore, telling your provider everything before picking a treatment can seriously change your weight loss journey experience.

“Your healthcare provider is the best person to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for these medications and which one would be most effective for you,” Dr. Ngo-Hamilton adds.” They would understand how these drugs could potentially interact with other medications you are taking, and which makes more sense for your current lifestyle, recognizing that these medications are not interchangeable.”

People will respond differently to both medications. Tirzepatide often comes with better results. However, some experience less side effects with semaglutide medications. Speak to a doctor to see what they think.

Woman’s World wants to hear YOUR experiences with tirzepatide, semaglutide, and your experiences with prescription weight loss or telehealth in general. Email us at reviews@womansworld.com, we’d love to talk to you.