How they work
After you eat, your gut releases hormones that help control blood sugar and tell your brain you are full. Semaglutide copies the action of one of these hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Tirzepatide acts on GLP-1 and a second hormone, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).
Both medicines can lower appetite, help you feel full sooner and slow how quickly your stomach empties. That is how they can help with weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie eating plan and more physical activity.
How they compare
What is the same
- Both are injections given once a week.
- Both are started at a low dose and raised step by step, to help your body adjust.
- Both are used with a reduced-calorie eating plan and more physical activity.
- The most common side effects of both are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and stomach upset.
What is different
- Semaglutide acts on one hormone, GLP-1.
- Tirzepatide acts on two, GLP-1 and GIP.
Each medicine is sold under two brand names for two different FDA-approved uses. Semaglutide is Wegovy for chronic weight management and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide is Zepbound for chronic weight management and Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes. Ozempic and Mounjaro are not FDA-approved for weight management. In studies, both led to meaningful weight loss on average, and tirzepatide on average a little more, but results vary a great deal from person to person. Your provider can explain how the evidence applies to you.
Side effects and safety
The most common side effects for both are stomach and bowel problems, which are often worst when the dose goes up. Serious problems are less common but can include inflammation of the pancreas, gallbladder problems, kidney problems from losing fluids, and low blood sugar in people who also take some diabetes medicines.
Both carry a warning about thyroid tumors seen in animal studies. They are not used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or a condition called MEN 2, or during pregnancy.
Get medical care right away for severe stomach pain that does not go away, with or without vomiting. Call 911 for swelling of the face or throat or trouble breathing.
Brand-name and compounded versions
Besides the brand-name medicines, semaglutide and tirzepatide are also made by compounding pharmacies. Compounded versions are not FDA-approved and are not the same as the brand-name products: the FDA has not reviewed them for safety, effectiveness or quality. The FDA says compounded drugs should be used only when a patient’s medical needs cannot be met by an FDA-approved drug, and it has warned about unapproved versions sold online, in spas or as “research” products.
Ask exactly which product you would be prescribed, where it comes from and why.
Talk with our Frisco team
Medical weight loss at our Frisco office starts with a consultation and an evaluation, separate from a pain management visit. Medication options include semaglutide and tirzepatide, prescribed only after a medical evaluation shows one may be appropriate for you. Learn more about medical weight loss in Frisco and who may be a candidate, or call 214-618-9600 or request a consultation.