Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: Which One is Better for Weight Loss?

Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: Which One is Better for Weight Loss?

Table of Contents

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I. What Is Semaglutide and How Does It Work?

II. What Is Tirzepatide and How Does It Work?

III. Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: What’s the Difference?

IV. Is Semaglutide More Effective Than Tirzepatide?

V. Conclusion

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With so many new weight loss medications hitting the market, it can be overwhelming trying to determine which one is right for you. Two of the most promising recent options are semaglutide and tirzepatide (read also Ozempic vs. Rybelsus). Both can be incredibly effective aids for losing weight, but they have some key differences.

In this article, we will examine how these medications work in the body, their differences, and which one may be most effective for weight loss based on clinical studies. 

What Is Semaglutide and How Does It Work?

Semaglutide is a class of medication that mimics the effects of GLP-1, a hormone released from the intestines after eating. GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar in several ways, which semaglutide can replicate to assist with diabetes and weight management. ¹

• Semaglutide slows stomach emptying after meals, preventing spikes in blood glucose.
• It reduces glucagon release and increases insulin release when blood sugar is high.
• Semaglutide interacts with appetite-signaling pathways in the brain. This leads to increased feelings of fullness and reduced hunger. ¹

There are currently three FDA-approved semaglutide formulations to help with type 2 diabetes and obesity:

• Ozempic is an injectable semaglutide approved for adults with type 2 diabetes. Along with diet and exercise, Ozempic can improve blood sugar control. It also lowers cardiovascular risks for those with diabetes and heart disease.
• Rybelsus is a tablet containing semaglutide. It can enhance glycemic control with lifestyle changes in adults with type 2 diabetes.
• Wegovy is an injectable semaglutide option for chronic weight management. It is approved for obese adults and children over 12 years old. Wegovy is also cleared for overweight adults with weight-related health issues. ²

What Is Tirzepatide and How Does It Work?

Tirzepatide is a prescription medication that acts on GIP and GLP-1 receptors to help with weight loss and blood sugar control. GIP and GLP-1 are hormones released from the gut that trigger the release of insulin after eating. By activating these receptors, tirzepatide boosts insulin secretion in a natural way. ³

As a GIP and GLP-1 receptor activator, tirzepatide's effects include:

• Increasing insulin release from the pancreas, which lowers blood sugar levels
• Slowing stomach emptying so you feel full longer
• Interacting with the brain to increase feelings of fullness ⁴

What makes tirzepatide unique is its dual action on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. This dual mechanism provides stronger blood sugar and weight loss effects compared to similar medications like semaglutide that only act on GLP-1. ³

The FDA has approved two tirzepatide prescription products:

• Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise.
• Zepbound is a once-weekly injection to help manage weight when combined with lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and physical activity. ⁵

Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: What’s the Difference?

Both tirzepatide and semaglutide are prescription medications that can be used along with diet and exercise to help treat type 2 diabetes or promote weight loss. However, there are some notable differences between these two medications that are useful to understand when discussing options with your doctor.

• Mechanism of Action: Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, aiding in insulin production and weight loss. ¹ On the other hand, tirzepatide mimics both GLP-1 and GIP hormones, offering a dual mechanism that can result in more potent weight loss effects. ³
• Administration: While tirzepatide is available in once-weekly injection forms, ⁵ semaglutide provides the flexibility of both injectable and oral options. ² This variety may be beneficial for those who prefer oral medications over injections.

• Indications: tirzepatide is prescribed for treating type 2 diabetes as well as aiding in weight loss. ³ Semaglutide, specifically in its Ozempic form, not only helps in managing type 2 diabetes but has also shown effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular events. ¹

Is Semaglutide More Effective Than Tirzepatide?

A recent review of 28 clinical trials with over 23,622 participants examined the effectiveness of tirzepatide compared to injectable semaglutide for managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. ⁶ The findings showed that tirzepatide outperformed semaglutide on key markers.

• HbA1c: After 12 weeks, the maximum dose of tirzepatide (15 mg) reduced HbA1c levels by 1.96%, compared to a 1.59% reduction by the maximum dose of injectable semaglutide (2 mg). Both medications lowered HbA1c substantially, but tirzepatide had a greater impact.
• Weight loss: tirzepatide led to more weight loss over 12 weeks than semaglutide. People taking the maximum dose of tirzepatide lost 9.57 kg (21 lbs.) on average. In contrast, those on the maximum dose of injectable semaglutide lost 4.97 kg (10.9 lbs.). ⁶

In summary, while both injectable semaglutide and tirzepatide are effective medications for managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss, tirzepatide seems to have a clear advantage. For those looking to maximize health benefits, tirzepatide may be a better choice. However, both options should be discussed with your doctor to determine what is right based on your medical history.

Conclusion

There are many options for effective and safe weight loss medications available today. If you have been making positive lifestyle changes like eating healthier and exercising but are still struggling to lose weight, talk to your doctor. They can review your full medical history and determine if adding a weight loss medication may be helpful for you to reach your goals.

Two of the most promising weight loss medications on the market today are semaglutide and tirzepatide. Both have been proven to deliver significant weight loss results, but the best option for you depends on your goals and medical history.