Table of Contents

I. A Background on Semaglutide

II. A Quick Look at Tirzepatide

III. Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide for Weight Loss: What Research is Saying

IV. Conclusion

With a new wave of weight loss drugs hitting the market, many are wondering how the newcomers stack up against existing options. One of the most anticipated new drugs is tirzepatide, which is generating buzz as a potential upgrade from semaglutide.

A recent study aimed to determine how tirzepatide stacks up against the tried-and-true semaglutide. Analyzing data from over 18,000 participants, researchers sought to answer the question on many people’s minds: when it comes to tirzepatide vs semaglutide for weight loss, which one comes out on top?

In this article, we'll break down the results of this highly-anticipated research. You'll learn how tirzepatide and semaglutide differ, how the study evaluated their effectiveness for weight loss, and whether one is more effective than the other.

A Background on Semaglutide

semaglutide injections on a pink background

Semaglutide was FDA-approved in 2017 in three different formulations. {{1}} Each med is approved for a unique purpose:

Rybelsus is an oral semaglutide tablet that is used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic is a weekly semaglutide injection used to enhance blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy is a weekly semaglutide injection used for chronic weight management in obese adults and children over 12 years old. It may also be used in overweight adults with at least one weight-related issue. {{2}}

Despite the targeted nature of these medications, doctors may recommend any of them off-label for weight management based on individual medical histories and symptoms. {{3}}

The secret behind semaglutide? It's an engineered form of the hormone GLP-1. Here's how it works:

Semaglutide tells the pancreas to release more insulin: This hormone sweeps excess sugar from the bloodstream into cells, where it is used for energy.

Semaglutide blocks the liver from releasing glucagon: This prevents blood sugar spikes.

Semaglutide delays stomach emptying: This curbs appetite and helps with portion control. {{1}}

A Quick Look at Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide was FDA-approved in 2022, {{4}} which makes it one of the newest weight loss meds on the market. It comes in two formulations, which are approved for different conditions:

Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection that helps stabilize blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Zepbound is a once-weekly injection formulated to aid weight loss in obese adults and overweight individuals with at least one weight-related complication. {{5}}

Though sold under different brand names, Mounjaro and Zepbound share the same active component: tirzepatide.

Unlike semaglutides, which only target one biological pathway, tirzepatide takes a two-pronged approach to regulating blood sugar and promoting weight loss. This groundbreaking medication activates both GLP-1 and GIP, two key hormones that work together to control blood sugar levels after eating.

Tirzepatide increases insulin release: This helps shuttle excess sugar in the bloodstream into cells.

Tirzepatide prevents the liver from releasing glucagon: This prevents blood sugar spikes.

Tirzepatide slows down stomach emptying: This gives a prolonged feeling of fullness, which helps control portions. {{4}}

Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide for Weight Loss: What Research is Saying

scale and measuring tape on a yellow background

So, when it comes to tirzepatide vs semaglutide for weight loss, which one is better? A new study aimed to find out.

Researchers recruited 18,386 participants, including 12,970 women and 5,416 men, for a year-long trial. The participants spanned a range of weights and ethnicities. Some had type 2 diabetes, while others did not. {{6}}

The participants were divided into two groups. One group of 9,192 people received semaglutide. The other group of 9,193 people got tirzepatide. {{6}}

The study had two main goals:

Determine how likely participants were to achieve significant weight loss, defined as shedding 5%, 10%, or even 15% of their body weight over a year.

Measure the actual percentage of weight lost at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months of treatment. {{6}}

With over 18,000 participants and a full year of data, this comprehensive study provides the clearest picture yet of tirzepatide vs semaglutide. Keep reading to find out which medication came out on top.

Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: Which Leads to Greater Weight Loss?

Researchers found that participants taking tirzepatide lost more weight than those on semaglutide. Specifically, they looked at the percentage of participants who achieved 5%, 10%, or 15% weight loss after one year of treatment. {{6}}

The table below summarizes the results:

Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: Percentage of Weight Lost in One Year⁺
	Tirzepatide (% of participants)	Semaglutide (% of participants)
5% or greater weight loss	81.8%	66.5%
10% or greater weight loss	62.1%	37.1%
15% or greater weight loss	42.3%	18.1%

⁺ {{6}}

The data clearly shows that individuals receiving tirzepatide achieved significantly greater weight loss over the course of one year compared to those taking semaglutide. Impressively, almost half the people taking tirzepatide achieved 15% or greater weight loss after a year of treatment.

Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: Which Delivers Faster Weight Loss Results?

Researchers analyzed the percentage of body weight lost by participants at 3, 6, and 12 months while taking either tirzepatide or semaglutide. Tirzepatide led to remarkably more weight loss at all time points. {{6}}

We’ve included the results below:

Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: Weight Lost at 3, 6, and 12 months⁺
	Tirzepatide (% weight lost)	Semaglutide (% weight lost)
3 months	5.9%	3.6%
6 months	10.1%	5.8%
12 months	15.3%	8.3%

⁺{{6}}

When it comes to tirzepatide vs semaglutide for weight loss, tirzepatide appears to have a significant edge. In each timeframe, tirzepatide outperformed semaglutide for weight loss. Additionally, people on tirzepatide lost nearly twice as much weight as those taking semaglutide after a full year of treatment.

Conclusion

Overall, when it comes to tirzepatide vs semaglutide for weight loss, tirzepatide is the clear winner, according to clinical data. However, the choice between tirzepatide and semaglutide comes down to your specific needs and preferences.

Tirzepatide

Browse by other topic